Models from China

I've been trying to figure things out. Apparently, the current delay in tariffs does not apply to China. I should know something personally soon. I ordered some models for review. They should arrive next week. 

The sales tax in Illinois is 10%  and they even tax the shipping fee.

I just heard this morning that some Chinese model makers have temporarily halted shipments to the USA.

My question: if one buys a model from Ebay and it comes via the US mail service where in that process is the new duty charged, by the USPS before you can receive it from them?   I can understand larger wholesale shipments would come through a customs broker who would apply the duty but individual small mailings?   I understand the de minimums rule that we used to live with is off.

Here's what I found, 

"Based on the information available, particularly from eBay's resources, here's a breakdown of how tariffs may affect your eBay purchase from China:

• Changes to De Minimis:
  • The "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed for the importation of goods under a certain value without tariffs, is changing, especially concerning goods from China and Hong Kong.  
     
  • Specifically, the de minimis exemption will be removed for shipments from China and Hong Kong. This means that duties may apply to all orders, regardless of their cost.  
     

     
• Tariffs and Duties:
  • Therefore, yes, under the current guidelines, if you buy an item from eBay that ships from China, you can expect that a tariff could be applied to that item, even if it is a single, low cost item.  
     
  • Shipments over $250 from China and Hong Kong will need to go through formal entry, and US Customs or shipping providers may need personal info, such as your nine-digit Social Security number.  
     

     
• Responsibility for Tariffs:
  • Generally, the buyer is responsible for paying any applicable tariffs and duties.
  • The shipping carrier will typically collect these fees before delivering the item.
• eBay Information:
  • eBay provides information regarding these changes, and it's advisable to check their resources for the most up-to-date details.  
     

In summary, due to recent policy changes, tariffs can now be applied to items of any value coming from China. Therefore, when purchasing items from Chinese sellers on eBay, be prepared for potential additional costs."

Here's eBay's info page, https://pages.ebay.com/tariffs/

Here's how tariffs work. A huge tariff is announced, and the stock market goes nuts. The oligarchs don't care, they have made their move, either through early sales and/or options to buy cheap. Then the other investors, mere millionaires or less, panic sell. Then, almost on cue, the tariffs are cancelled. But the oligarchs are tipped off beforehand, and they buy cheap. The market goes way up, where the process starts all over. The rich get richer.  

@jkuvakas 

Thanks for updates and news on tariffs.

@mg-harv 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐   Forum parameters governing policy and conduct preclude me from further comments on this subject.   There's nothing I can say, even after careful thought & internal deliberation, that would not result in deleted comments and/or a permanent ban.  So...  🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐   Lastly, 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐 🤐

@chris I didn't name any names! 😀 But it sure could be a way to sneakily manipulate the stock market.

Here’s an email I got today from the Corgi Club. This is why I’ll wait to buy if this isn’t resolved by May 2. Imagine paying $85 for a model that once the tariff issue is resolved (and it will be), it’s now available for $40/shipped.

Hello Randy,

We expect you've seen the news regarding tariffs on goods entering the USA from abroad. These new rules currently apply from the 2nd of May 2025. 

As it stands, because the Corgi Model Club are based in the UK and our die-cast models are manufactured in China, in the USA you’re being faced with a 125% price increase. This only applies to US based collectors – there is no increase if you live elsewhere in the world.

By Federal Law, from the 2nd of May 2025, all customers who live in the USA will have to pay the tax and duties these new tariffs represent. The 2nd of May 2025 date is stipulated as being when the goods enter the USA – not when they reach you at your home.

For Corgi Model Club members who are currently charged $29.99 (plus £7.99 shipping) for a model, the total will increase to $85.46. Unfortunately we cannot cover this additional cost as our margins are just too small. The situation saddens us greatly but is totally outside of our control.

Note that if there are any models in the Corgi Model Club collection you were intending to purchase, if you place an order quickly, you will avoid the tariff increase. Our deliveries to the USA take around 7 to 14 days, which means that if you order in the next couple of days, the models will arrive before the tariff kicks in!

For further advice please contact our Customer Services team on +1855 3000 085 or by email at enquiries@corgimodelclubUSA.com

The only positive thing we can think of is that because the tariff situation has been rather fluid, we hope to be able to bring you better news soon. In the meantime all pricing on https://ocd.soundestlink.com/ce/c/652bf4b3161db16860761f06/67fd4a76d175399efea662f1/67fd4a910843ab5f6e34f184?signature%3Da900d1c5d8954e11f7b2d602dfd46cdcea5850c8af0645e67223c327cf5e453b&source=gmail&ust=1744764406523000&usg=AOvVaw0llEcWYXmsH1wYiQzR-W- d" data-removefontsize="true" data-originalcomputedfontsize="15">http://www.corgimodelclubUSA.com will remain as it is – pre-tariffs – so please bear this in mind. The cost at checkout will therefore not be the final price you will pay, as after the tariffs begin on 2nd May 2025 you will be liable for the additional 125%. This will be collected from you by the delivery company and paid to the US Government. The additional amount does NOT come to us.

We wish you all the best ~ and please keep following us on Facebook!

Warmest regards,

Corgi Model Club Team

@randyrusk 

Thanks for sharing this information.

@randyrusk This is exactly what I thought would happen from the beginning.

Nobody buying can circumvent the tariffs on anything coming from China country of origin to enter USA, no matter a new or used product. The US dealers and retailers will just take Only pre-paid orders and keep no inventory if they want to survive. 

By the way, among the news, Jaguar/Land Rover will not ship any new cars to USA for a month. They try to figure how to split the 10% tariff with the dealers.

Quick update... Here's a note I got from the Corgi collectors club today:

IMPORTANT UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hello Randy

We may have some really good news!

After a great deal of discussion and research in conjunction with our shipping experts, there is some confidence that we will be able to offer a TARIFF FREE postal shipping option that could be actioned very quickly.

US-based collectors will therefore hopefully be able to continue to receive Corgi Model Club models in the very near future TARIFF FREE!

However, this will require us to update our delivery system, which could take a few weeks. Note that because the tariff situation continues to be extremely fluid, if there are any further changes or updates we will let you know as soon as we possibly can.

ONE LAST THING, if you order any models from the Corgi Model Club collection using our current delivery system (which would be applicable for the tariffs), please use the UPS Express option at checkout which takes 2-5 days delivery and costs $25.

As long as you order before the end of this coming Friday (April 25th), the UPS delivery service will get them to you in the USA before the May 2nd tariff deadline. Unless you are willing to pay the additional tariffs please do not place an order after Friday April 25th until we get the new shipping service in place.

For further clarification, please email our Customer Services team at: enquiries@corgimodelclubusa.com

Thanks
We wish you all the best ~ and please keep following us on Facebook!

Warmest regards,

Corgi Model Club Team

A few administrative questions:  So, if I buy a Chinese made model from a Hong Kong seller on Ebay, or the same from a seller in the UK, where is the tariff applied and charged.  If it comes via Royal Mail to the USPS, does the USPS hold the item until I visit my post office and pay it?   Another question: if a wholesaler/distributor in the USA buy items is the tariff applied to the wholesale price he pays? If I buy directly, from overseas I assume the tariff is applied to the retail price I paid?