US vs China Trade War -Impact on Astro Equipment Market

[glend (Glen)]

So the US announces a 25% tariff on $34 Billion business on over 800 product categories, effective 6 July. A further $16 Billion is still under consideration. It would seem likely that Astronomy equipment exported by China may fall under this tariff (as small as it probably is) due to categorisation as "Machinery, Mechanical Appliances, and Electrical Equipment".
I had a look through the 60 page list of items and it is not hard to see some astro equipment impacts.

Items that rely on photosensitive semiconductors, such as Astronomy cameras, and motorised and electronic controlled mounts, will be highly likely of being affected. As are optical related products.

[glend (Glen)]

There is now a thread on Cloudy Nights (Refractor forum) discussing this topic. Not sure how long it will be there as any straying into politics is usually deleted.

[RB (Andrew)]

IIS TOS states a similar policy.
If this turns out to be an America/China bashing, it too will be deleted.

RB

[Kal (Andrew)]

This would only effect purchases from the USA though wouldn't it, and only imported items?


Australian retailers who source from Asia would be unaffected? As would american manufactured astronomy gear (Astro-physics / TEC etc)

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by Kal

This would only effect purchases from the USA though wouldn't it, and only imported items?


Australian retailers who source from Asia would be unaffected? As would american manufactured astronomy gear (Astro-physics / TEC etc)

On the surface, yes I suppose so, certainly for Aus importers like Tasco and others who deal direct, there may be no change. However, US manufactured astronomy gear (as you mentioned) could well have input components sourced from China which maybe affected by the tariff. It's too early for anything other than speculation, and hopefully this will resolved before implementation.

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

There could be a turn around here. Instead of people buying from the US for cheaper prices, maybe US consumers will buy telescopes direct from our retailers to circumvent the tariffs.