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Trade War: Indie Filmmaking Is About to Get More Expensive in the U.S.
  • jleojleo

    Tariffs and enhanced tax enforcement are going to raise the price of the gear you use every day to make your films.

    We have extracted some of what seem to be the most important products for filmmakers that would have the new 25% tariff. But note, we are not experts on tariffs or trade policy, and the list is not meant to be definitive. Also, trade policy is really complicated and currently in a state of flux, changing from week to week.

    Sample Products Subject to New Tariffs

    Video Recording

    8521.90.00 Video recording or reproducing apparatus, other than magnetic tape-type

    Sound Recording

    8519.81.40 Sound recording and reproducing apparatus using magnetic tape, optical media, or semiconductor media

    8519.89.30 Sound recording and reproducing apparatus, NESOI Recording Media

    8523.51.00 Semiconductor media, solid-state non-volatile storage devices Monitors

    8528.59.15 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal n/ov 34.29 cm, incorporate VCR or player

    8528.59.23 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal > 34.29 cm, incorporating VCR or player, not subject US note 13

    8528.59.25 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal n/ov 34.29 cm, not incorporate VCR or player

    8528.59.33 Color video monitors w/flat panel screen, video display diagonal > 34.29 cm, not with VCR/player, not subj US note

    138528.59.40 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal over 34.29 cm, incorporating VCR or player

    8528.59.45 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal not over 34.29 cm, not incorporating VCR or player

    8528.59.50 Color video monitors NESOI, with video display diagonal over 34.29 cm, not incorporating VCR or player

    8528.69.55 Color video projectors NESOI, incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus

    8528.69.60 Color video projectors NESOI, not incorporating a video recording or reproducing apparatus

    Lamps

    8539.22.80 Electrical filament lamps of a power not exceeding 200 W and for a voltage exceeding 100 V NESOI, excluding ultraviolet and infrared lamps

    8539.29.30 Electrical filament lamps NESOI, designed for a voltage not exceeding 100 V, excluding ultraviolet and infrared lamps

    8539.29.40 Electrical filament lamps, designed for a voltage exceeding 100 V, of a power exceeding 200 W

    8539.50.00 Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps

    Cameras

    9006.59.91 Photographic cameras, other than fixed focus, valued over $10 each, NESOI

    9006.61.00 Photographic discharge lamp ("electronic") flashlight apparatus

    9006.69.01 Photographic flashlight apparatus, NESOI

    9006.91.00 Parts and accessories for photographic cameras, not cinematographic

    9006.99.00 Parts and accessories for photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs

    9007.91.40 Parts for cinematographic cameras

    9007.91.80 Accessories for cinematographic cameras

    Wait, it can get worse

    While it appears that photographic lenses are not included currently on the list for tariffs on China, there are threatened tariffs (of up to 100%) on EU products imported to the U.S. for this summer that do include them. This would primarily impact lenses from Germany:

    9002.11.90 Objective lenses and parts & access. thereof, for cameras, projectors, or photographic enlargers or reducers, except projection, NESOI

    The era of really cheap gear in the U.S. may be coming to an end and filmmakers here will face the reality that folks in other countries have dealt with for a long time. However, it's impossible to predict whether the China or EU tariffs will actually take effect, or when.

    If you are considering a major purchase in one of the targeted areas, it may be worth considering speeding up your purchase timeline.

    https://nofilmschool.com/indie-filmmaking-about-get-lot-more-expensive?fbclid=IwAR3NpP-LcKEcNtvUzw500jVSJTHiIhuEmTN2XL0koJxrLrs37um8rJBeOWI

  • 3 Replies sorted by
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @jleo

    First - it is only in proposed tariffs for now.

    Second - almost all of big companies will instantly make Mexican (Vietnam etc) plants that will make final packing and such and will pass without tariffs.

  • jleojleo

    yes, factories have done that for years, they send almost finished product to Taiwan or Mexico, then battery cover, antenna or brand label is attached and they can say it was made in Taiwan or Mexico! But some small companies may not be able to afford that method.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @jleo

    But some small companies may not be able to afford that method.

    No one cares about small companies and their fate. Small fish must die.

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