While it can be quite tricky to keep up with the different tariffs being implemented (or threatened to be implemented) these days, it sounds like some major new tariffs on imports coming from Japan and South Korea (plus 12 other nations) are set to likely bring some major price increases to cameras and other film and video gear in the United States.

We’ve seen several brands like Sigma, Sony, and DJI already raise prices for US consumers, and with DJI in particular, we’ve seen the Chinese company choose not to offer its latest flagship camera drone to the US at all.

And despite there being hope that maybe these tariffs might calm down eventually, or at least settle on some exact rates moving forward, it appears that things are ramping up once again, which brings extra uncertainty to the industry.

What Prices are Likely to be Raised

Credit: Sony

Looking at the 25% import tariff being levied against Japanese goods coming to the US in particular, the majority of the cameras, lenses, and gear that provide the background for the digital film, video, and photography industry in the US is powered by Japanese companies like Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and more.

As such, it would be expected that once these tariffs do hit on August 1st (save for any last-minute increases, decreases, or postponements), prices for all of the cameras, lenses, and gears from these Japanese and South Korean companies will increase by around the same percentage.

Again, taken with a grain of salt as these things have changed quickly in the past, President Trump has added that if any tariffs are raised in retaliation for these new US-imposed ones, then the US will be adding more on top as well.

What to Expect Next

While we have been trying to cover any price increases once officially announced by brands, as we’ve learned from some of the early tariff-based price increases announced by Blackmagic Design for the PYXIS 12K, things can change quickly.

Trump’s latest tariff announcements, as covered by the AP, do appear to be set to come into effect on the first of August this year. However, we’ve also seen tariffs walked back or postponed last minute quite often as well.

Overall, these Japanese-based companies will likely be in limbo along with the rest of the world, waiting to see what actually becomes official. Price increases might be on the way before, but they also might wait until the deadline to see if they need to or not.

Regardless, uncertainty in the industry isn’t usually a breeder of innovation and improvements. But time will tell, and we’ll see how things shake up.

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