Trump's tariffs

[Peter Ward]

I pity amateur astronomers in the USA right now, as their affordable
telescope gear is about to rapidly become very unaffordable.

Brands like Synta, Ioptron, ZWO, QHY etc. are likely to be hit hard by tariffs of 145%

As to whether these manufacturers may send their products to alternative markets at seriously discounted prices remains to be seen....but it may also
devastate what is a very vertical and niche industry.

They may well cull their advertising spend in US publications...e.g. the venerable Sky&Tel and Astronomy....which could end up as collateral victims to the US effective ending trade with the ROC.

Any US based IIS members out there? What are your thoughts?

P.S. Seems I'm not the only one wondering about this. Astronomy magazine link here
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/no-relief-for-astronomy-industry-in-new-tariff-exemptions/

[gregbradley]

Astronomics have already put up their prices on a few items.
The owner was complaining on a cloudynights forum that he has to pay $200K in tariffs for a month's worth that he can't get back from the market.

Greg

[jwheel69]

Hello,

I live in Texas, and with price increases on imported goods because of the tariffs, it will make it harder for people that do not have a lot of disposable income to purchase new astronomical equipment. This will especially affect people that are new to the hobby. On a side note, I took a a trip to Australia in 2015 and I would love to visit again. I am thinking about 2028 for the Total Solar Eclipse.



Joe Wheelock
McDonald Observatory, TX