Is this hobby safe from the upcoming tariffs?

[smitten with ocean life]

Thats good to know. Because model railroading is going to become extinct.

i doubt it:)

 

[mrpontiac80]

There was so much talk about this at Orlando RAP. There are challenges ahead for sure.

Good to see several posts from you here on R2R as of recently!

 

[VintageReefer]

Is this hobby safe from the upcoming tariffs? Are our products (tanks, filters, accessories, supplies, etc. that are made from China) safe from the upcoming tariffs? I am asking this because other hobbies are not. For example, the model railroading hobby (where 99% of all products are from China) could become extinct within 6 months if the tariffs go through. Is the aquarium hobby safe as it is now?

I highly doubt model railroading will go extinct because of price increases.

The only way for this hobby to go extinct - by definition of extinct - would be for every single tank owner to quit, every company to shut down, and everyone everywhere to not pickup the used gear and restart the hobby.

Those that can’t afford it will sell gear and quit. Those that can afford it will remain. Simple as that

 

[Barb0713]

Most equipment will go up but livestock shouldn't. Tarrifs will eventually work out.

Long term solutions :)

 

[SAY]

Change is just an opportunity for those intelligent enough to take advantage.

 

[jguerin88]

Long term solutions :)

go vote in the midterms

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

As a brick and mortar store and also online store, I can tell you we been paying 10% tarrif across the board on livestock for last 3 weeks. Most wholesalers will start charging very soon which in turn will increase prices.

 

[DaJMasta]

You think any sector will be safe from the tariffs? Of course things will get more expensive, of course stocks will dwindle, of course companies will be put out of business.

These aren't targeted, there isn't a slow escalation over years, there's no investment to get domestic production, there are no carveouts for things that can't be done domestically (like wild collected fish and corals), this is just a blanket, sudden tax to all businesses and consumers.

The tariffs that are already tanking the economy and which have yet to be felt in full force will absolutely effect the prices for the hobby. There is no way they wouldn't.

https://www.coralmagazine.com/2025/04/03/new-u-s-import-tariffs-on-fishes-and-corals/

 

[John Neuzil]

Thats good to know. Because model railroading is going to become extinct.

Not likely.

 

[bradreef]

Yep, I don’t recall who he buys from, but this is what he shared with me.

The problem with this is, the tarrifs is based on wholesale prices. A fish like a wrasse might be $1-$10 from the supplier, or less. Wholesalers mark up a ton when resale. The tarrifs should only be on the original import price which is probably 1/8 or less of the cost you pay.

 

[Freenow54]

Is this hobby safe from the upcoming tariffs? Are our products (tanks, filters, accessories, supplies, etc. that are made from China) safe from the upcoming tariffs? I am asking this because other hobbies are not. For example, the model railroading hobby (where 99% of all products are from China) could become extinct within 6 months if the tariffs go through. Is the aquarium hobby safe as it is now?

No. I have asked and prices are up. Yup Trains too because Rapido a Canadian greedy Company went there from day one. He is opening a place in the US hoping to escape them for his customers there. May be the end of the hobby maybe both the new people cant afford basics anymore let alone hobbies that cost hundreds, and thousands

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

The problem with this is, the tarrifs is based on wholesale prices. A fish like a wrasse might be $1-$10 from the supplier, or less. Wholesalers mark up a ton when resale. The tarrifs should only be on the original import price which is probably 1/8 or less of the cost you pay.

It's true that a fish that costs $20 and sold for $100 isn't necessarily going to scale linearly. The new ~$30 cost will probably turn into $115 rather than $150.

 

[Featherweight]

Change is just an opportunity for those intelligent enough to take advantage.

Spoken w astounding privilege

 

[Doctor Derp]

Spoken w astounding privilege

He isn't wrong, though.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I choose to remain optimistic on this, but just how entitled to “cheap” reefing are we? Should this hobby be available to everyone? <— Hypothetically, not my opinion.

 

[Featherweight]

He isn't wrong, though.

Of course he isn't. It's almost like that was the point of blowing things up. To further concentrate wealth. That's not something I see as good. Saying it aloud isn't necessary, like if you are gonna capitalize on misery and bad policy, go for it.

 

[rtparty]

IBTL

Just a bunch of FUD from shortsighted "experts"

 

[SAY]

Spoken w astounding privilege

intelligence isn't a privilege but those that use the word as a crutch do lack it. They will be the first to shut their doors.

 

[DaJMasta]

He isn't wrong, though.

Yes, those so privileged as to be able to take advantage of others' hardship will make out better, everyone else won't. That justification is incredibly callous, privileged, and shortsighted.

 

[exnisstech]

I would expect AliExpress will loose its retail sales in the States. Not that that's a bad thing actually but there were some darn good deals. I was looking at one of the MP knock offs and they are adding a huge import fee. I like how they say the fee may remitted to the US authorities which I take as they may not remitt it :thinking-face:

This fee is on $115 item