We’re on the cusp of knowing if the Trump administration plans on following through with its proposed tariffs set to be imposed on May 2nd. As you are no doubt aware by now, we have no idea where we stand with certain manufacturers, particularly those located in China, where the bulk of hobby-related products are still made. What is clear is that many of these companies will not be able to ship their products to the US if the proposed 145% tariff is, in fact, imposed as many fear. Faced with rising inflation costs, the consumer will tolerate only so much before moving on and purchase other items. Supposedly, the Trump administration is in talks with China over the tariff issue, but even if some sort of lesser tariff is agreed upon its unlikely companies will still be able to import their products into our country and hope to turn a profit, or have their products available for the holidays. Part of the problem has to do with neither side wanting to back down first and be perceived as caving to the demands of the other party. This “Blink-manship”, as I like to call it, will end up hurting both countries, ensnaring innocents on both sides until a fair and adequate resolution can be reached. Some have even referred to the stand-off as the first shots in a Sino-Taiwanese War, which many believe will eventually occur some time in the not-too-distant future.
For now, we’ve grouped the affected companies and their products into our web site’s October 2025 Upcoming Release section. Should anything change we will, of course, update this section and attempt to provide the most accurate information possible to our clientele to keep you informed and up-to-date so you can plan your purchases. We recognize that this isn’t the best course of action given the level of uncertainty permeating the market but its all we can currently do given our own situation. In the meantime, we are asking that you refrain from asking us about the expected arrival dates of these products since we simply have no idea about their fate. And, as a cautionary move, we believe that many of the products we do have in stock may see their prices rise as demand remains strong and supplies begin to dwindle. Food for thought if you have your eye set on anything marked as being in stock.