I doubt it. After all, static models don't contribute much to the gdp like vehicles, raw materials or food products do.

Good question - I doubt anyone is really sure just yet. But if Chinese mode3l supplies are hit by the new tariffs I worry that prices elsewhere may go up as the mfgrs try to recoup lost profits for their shareholders. All we can do is hold tight and see where we go on Trump's crazy train.

Look at how many toy lines disney controls or partners with vs a model company. Does disney mean just disney toy lines like the princess movies and all those from disney cartoon movies? Or does that include Star Wars and the entire disney corporation? Most of their toys are made in china and have been for a long long time. And what model companies are china owned vs those that aren't? Of course china has their fingers in lots of pies nowadays so we will probably see some fallout from all this.

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Look at how many toy lines disney controls or partners with vs a model company. Does disney mean just disney toy lines like the princess movies and all those from disney cartoon movies? Or does that include Star Wars and the entire disney corporation? Most of their toys are made in china and have been for a long long time. And what model companies are china owned vs those that aren't? Of course china has their fingers in lots of pies nowadays so we will probably see some fallout from all this.

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I agree, I think we will see fallout from this, as to what model companies are Chinese, there are a lot. Dragon, Trumpeter, Bronco, RFM, Meng are some that come to mind, with Trumpeter's parent company being a tooling and casting company for plastics other than models. Dragon actually has a bigger share in the toy and collectible market than they do in the model business. Even Wingnut Wings are manufactured in China. There are also many companies owned by US or European interests that manufacture in China (which is what this "trade war" is really about). Look at the small print on many kit boxes (Revell-Monogram and RoG are two) and you'll see "product of China" or "made in China". As tariff "retribution" increases, I don't see how the model industry can help but be affected in one way or another. Thankfully, these import tariffs on the US side don't look like they will affect trade between S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, or Europe where companies like Tamiya, Hasegawa, Academy, AFV club, ICM, Special Hobby, Revell Germany, and others are based-- for now anyway. So, I believe we as hobbyists and enthusiasts will be affected , if not by the loss of Chinese products here in the US, then by increases in price. We do need to keep in mind the US market is only a "part" of the business (a big part) Chinese companies do worldwide. Because of this we may have a "backdoor" by going through European manufacturers who deal with China, but import their products to the US. I guess time will tell, but Now might be the right time now to buy that Chinese made kit before it disappears or goes up in price.
VR, Russ

"we won't have to deal those tariffs on models, just everything else, thanks to Trump's stupidity."

Well Kevin, for a moderator/editor for this site one would think you, of all people would adhere to the "no political postings allowed" and keep your opinions on politics/political leaders you disagree with out of your posts.


Cheers,
Charles

"we won't have to deal those tariffs on models, just everything else, thanks to Trump's stupidity."

Well Kevin, for a moderator/editor for this site one would think you, of all people would adhere to the "no political postings allowed" and keep your opinions on politics/political leaders you disagree with out of your posts.


Cheers,
Charles

I am sorry you did not like my post, it was the off the cuff comment, and yes the admin/editors on this site are human, as well as volunteers.

We are all allowed our own opinion.

We are all allowed our own opinion.

Will these tariffs damage the hobby industry in the long term by putting the manufacturers or the distributors out of business?

Kevin, that’s a good answer. I tend to agree with you, but I’m not so sure the US is “a drop in the bucket” as you’ve said. I used to work in a LHS that was also a distributor (we even had arrangement with a British Columbia based Distributor) We received orders worldwide, especially from S. America, East Europe, and Canada (and even some from China) for Chinese produced goods (kits and tools). This tells me many foreign markets were dependent on US distributors, at least to keep prices manageable (it was cheaper for our Chinese customers to buy some products from us and get them shipped back to China! Go figure that one out!?! So if US markets are affected, won’t other markets see an increase in price? Especially if production is down and demand goes up? Or will overseas markets see a price drop as the market is flooded with goods that can’t be sold in the US anymore? Any economist hobbyists out there?
VR, Russ