Tariffs

[tggzzz]

In aviation, a flight level (FL) is an aircraft's altitude as determined by a pressure altimeter using the International Standard Atmosphere. It is expressed in hundreds of feet or metres. The altimeter setting used is the ISA sea level pressure of 1013 hPa or 29.92 inHg.

Right. QNH and all that.
(I just recently learned about this from watching Mentour Pilot videos.)

Pressure altimeters have many limitations. When landing (or near ground) you aren't interested in altitude (neither QNH nor QNE nor QFE) but are very interested in height. Best way of getting that right is to look out of the cockpit.

[tautech]

IMO the bull is slowly being backed out of the china shop. 

Expect denials while that is happening. The people who voted for Trump will be disposed to believe the denials. Trump's non-commercial backers will still be happy due to the wrecking ball Trump is swinging in other places, notably science and education.

Yet there are many of the working class employed by overseas multinationals importing product from Asia and elsewhere which proposed tariffs will make uneconomical and they will lose their jobs and their branches close down.
Then you'll have an increased unemployed (does the US have a benefit ?) at additional cost to the US irrespective of their cost of living rising too.
It won't take long for many to get hurt....

But the tariff issues aren't over. I actually agree with this proposed increase in import costs, even though it will make things more expensive for me:

"The [UK chancellor of the exchequer] is considering changes to rules which allow goods valued at £135 or less – often listed on sites such as Amazon, Shein and Temu – to be imported to the UK without any customs duty having to be paid. The review follows pressure from leading retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Next, who have argued that the tax break has been hijacked by fast-growing retailers such as Shein and Temu who send small parcels direct to shoppers."
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/rachel-reeves-looks-at-ending-zero-tax-regime-for-low-value-imports

I wonder if that will spread to other countries?

Everything we import via the normal/common online shops is taxed at purchase our NZ 15% GST regardless of value.
ePay and Ali are the 2 I use but I think Amazon gets hit here too.

[PlainName]

Then you'll have an increased unemployed (does the US have a benefit ?) at additional cost to the US irrespective of their cost of living rising too.
It won't take long for many to get hurt....

The costs of unemployment affecting the rest of country will take just long enough that when Trump loses the next election (if they have one) he'll be able to say it was the next administration that screwed up and it was all fine when he was in charge.

Over here, it took 14 years for the previous government to eviscerate the NHS and make criminals of care workers, yet the current administration is getting stick for not having fixed it in less than a year.

[tom66]

Whilst the tariffs situation is ongoing, I've directed my purchasing to RS instead of Digi-Key, except where there is no other option.  I quite like dealing with Digi-Key, but I feel that supporting the US in this regard is counter to my political beliefs.  It's a tiny difference in the end but I'm voting with my wallet.

[dietert1]

Yesterday i learned that the Chinese government and banks hold a total of about 3 000 billion in US treasuries and currency - as a result of 20 or 30 years of hard work while others enjoyed their way of life. At a rate of 3 % that gave annual interest payments of about 90 billion US $ by the US tax payer to the Chinese government and banks. A 1 % rate increase yields up to 30 billion US $ as an extra annual payment to China.
Hope i'm getting that correct. It's hard to believe that the US administration did this. Let's call it MASA.

Regards, Dieter

[tom66]

Yesterday i learned that the Chinese government and banks hold a total of about 3 000 billion in US treasuries and currency - as a result of 20 or 30 years of hard work while others enjoyed their way of life. At a rate of 3 % that gave annual interest payments of about 90 billion US $ by the US tax payer to the Chinese government and banks. A 1 % rate increase yields up to 30 billion US $ as an extra annual payment to China.
Hope i'm getting that correct. It's hard to believe that the US administration did this. Let's call it MASA.

Regards, Dieter

Look at it another way though.  Using those many billions in loans from the Chinese, America was able to build its infrastructure and industry up to be the richest country in the world.  Both parties benefited from this relationship.

Yes, it borrowed more than it earned, but that is only a problem when growth stops; and if growth stops, all of capitalism is screwed, not just America.

[Marco]

as a result of 20 or 30 years of hard work while others enjoyed their way of life.

20-30 years of underpaid hard work, with the Chinese government taking dollars out of the Chinese economy to invest in US assets rather than letting Chinese workers buy more goods.

Industry is power, that's why Pooh did it. The people doing the hard work were underpaid because they had no choice.

[MT]

You would think that the president, being a former businessman himself, and having had at least some success in business (for reasons that are off-topic I don't believe these are indicative of his business acumen) would at least have some appreciation that investors really like to be able to make 2, 3, and 5 year projections.  If the tariffs change every day according to his whims, no one can plan anything.  There is one thing about saying we are going to e.g. tariff China at 50% and expect to have a resolution in the next 6 months and if they do not come to the negotiating table that will persist for some time.  Businesses can plan for that.  It is a whole 'nother problem to say we will tariff China 34%, actually I mean 54%, no wait now it's 125%, oh I mean 145% but semiconductors and phones are exempt, oh, maybe not, I'm not sure...  That just results in investors dithering and unable to decide on the best path, weakening overall investment.

His success is a matter of debate and perspective. For example, he has declared bankruptcy 6 (six) times, which is (charitably) repeatedly careless. Consider the perspective of creditors to his failed ventures.

There is a school of thought that chaos brings progress, as famously expressed in The Third Man, "After all, it’s not that awful. You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace. And what did that produce? The cuckoo clock."

That school of thought is popular amongst libertarians and those that think Ayn Rand was profound. I was tempted by such concepts in my mid teens, but rapidly saw the consequences - and quickly grew out of it.

How dare you (Greta fame) talk about "conspiracies". Dirty word, yet perfectly described in US constitution as a federal offence, not that US is conspiring against everybody else, thats all fine and dandy.

So,not only that Mr zionist Trump (yes he declared that in public many times , AIPAC meetings MSM etc) was bailed out by Rothschilds in early 1990-91 after his Casino debacle almost bankrupted his holding company but also him personally, all by his own words as Rotchilds errand boy said at the time,Willbur Ross (also known as "king of bankruptcies"): "We see value in the Trump brand" the payback was to make WillBur Ross Secretary of Commerce 2017-2021. How many Americans know this and are bothered? Very few.

[MT]

Whilst the tariffs situation is ongoing, I've directed my purchasing to RS instead of Digi-Key, except where there is no other option.  I quite like dealing with Digi-Key, but I feel that supporting the US in this regard is counter to my political beliefs.  It's a tiny difference in the end but I'm voting with my wallet.

Good luck then if your wallet are filled with worthless printed fiats or imaginary crypto electrons, however if you "can hold on to" a piece of land,  bucket of diesel, a gold silver bar, or components from DK, you know "real stuff" then you might have a chance, but rely you need to snap out of your imaginary political beliefs and step into reality. Im quite pleased diesel prices have plunged steeply from 1.8 euro
to 1,5 euro in mere 2 weeks without a beep from all the "so called green" man made climate change" politicians in EU parliament.

[MT]

Are US Ports Empty and What Impact Does the Tariff Have on Global Shipping?

[rteodor]

Detailed interviews about the effect of tariff on small, medium size companies in the US that deal with several of consumer products in the PC realm.
Uncertainty is what is killing most of them.

At some point I was expecting LR to say: Tariffs = Making Repair Work Great Again.

[EEVblog]

Just got this email from DHL Australia.

Dear Customer,



We would like to update you on the recent temporary suspension that took effect Monday, April 21, 2025, on business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments addressed to private individuals in the U.S. where the declared value exceeded USD 800.



As we previously communicated, shipments from all countries with a value over USD 800 required formal entry processing into the U.S. This regulatory change caused a significant increase in formal customs clearances, and DHL implemented the temporary suspension to ensure we could maintain our high service quality commitment for our customers. B2C shipments with declarable customs value below USD 800 and business-to-business (B2B) shipments were not affected by the suspension.



We are pleased to inform you that effective April 28th, 2025, the temporary suspension has been withdrawn and DHL Express has resumed the transport of B2C shipments addressed to private individuals in the U.S. where the declared value exceeded USD 800.



This decision follows constructive dialogue between DHL and the U.S. government, who demonstrated a strong willingness to understand our operational and technical challenges, and who agreed that it was imperative to act quickly in the interest of U.S. consumers.



Starting April 28th, 2025, the value thresholds for shipments being sent to the U.S. have been adjusted. Shipments valued between USD 800 and USD 2,500 can once again be cleared using the expedited informal entry process. This positive development will enable us to resume normal operations.
Your shipments to the U.S. may still experience transit delays as we navigate the reintroduction of the service and while we clear the current backlog as soon as possible.
DHL Express remains committed to processing inbound shipments to the United States in full compliance with applicable customs rules and regulations.
DHL Express values the opportunity to have contributed to the development of this new regulation by the U.S. government in favor of our customers, who have been our focus. It is our priority to effectively support your needs, and we view this development as a positive step forward in continuing the facilitation of international trade.



We recognize the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors in addressing both security and economic considerations for the U.S. and other countries. We will continue to support such processes with our global expertise to find solutions, which fulfill government requirements and meet the needs of our customers.


We thank you for your patience and continued trust in our services.

We will continue to actively monitor the regulatory environment and will work closely with you and the U.S. government to facilitate your international trade needs.

Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your DHL Express representative. Thank you for your ongoing trust.

[wilfred]

What is going to happen to shipments under $800. I have heard there will be a minimum charge. Here in Australia I wouldn't be buying so many cheap items if there was a minimum charge higher than the value of the item. And I also realised today Aliexpress have totally sucked me in with those bundle offers.

[EEVblog]

What is going to happen to shipments under $800. I have heard there will be a minimum charge. Here in Australia I wouldn't be buying so many cheap items if there was a minimum charge higher than the value of the item.

You don't have to worry about it in Australia.

[wilfred]

What is going to happen to shipments under $800. I have heard there will be a minimum charge. Here in Australia I wouldn't be buying so many cheap items if there was a minimum charge higher than the value of the item.

You don't have to worry about it in Australia.

Yes, I know. I was posing the question in the spirit of conversation. It will be a dramatic change for Americans buying trinkets and cheap things from China or anywhere. It will be expensive for consumers and expensive to administer. The Australian system of just adding 10% GST is starting to look pretty good.

[Psi]

Based on my understanding, the tariff is on the country of origin for the goods. Not the country actually shipping the goods.

So, if you (in a country other than USA/China) ship some parts to PCBWay in china for PCBA. And those parts originally came from the USA (You specify where they came from when creating shipping docs).
Then your parts may get caught up in the tariffs that china put on USA imports in response to the big tariffs USA put on china. 

So keep that in mind.
It just occurred to me when getting a shipment ready for sending to PCBway.
I have not tested it to find out.

[PlainName]

The Australian system of just adding 10% GST is starting to look pretty good

Your measly 10% GST looks pretty damn good compared to our 20% VAT!

[tautech]

The land of sheep and Kiwi has 15% GST. 

At least the China trade is somewhat balanced here and downunder lamb is served in Shenzhen restaurants. 

[eigenvictor]

Looks like Chinese online sellers handle tariffs differently. AliExpress: 1. Some parts are shipped from the U.S., as they likely have warehouses here; over the last 1–2 years, I’ve noticed no packages originated in China -- return addresses were from third-party countries like Uzbekistan, and my latest package, received a few days ago, shipped from CA. 2. Many AliExpress vendors no longer ship to the U.S. 3. Some Ali vendors have added “import charges” to their pages, which seem close to 100%, though I’m unsure if this is already in effect. JLCPCB: They already collect a 175% tariff and handle paperwork on the buyer’s behalf to avoid surprise charges and customs delays (in theory). As a result, cheap PCB shipping isn’t available anymore, and you must use DHL or FedEx ($25–$30). LCSC: They don’t care. There are no changes on their side, so the buyer deals with customs. Worst Case: You buy from a company that doesn’t handle tariffs, place a low-value order, and get slapped with a $100 flat fee by the last-mile carrier ($200 after June 1). Currently, some sellers already collect import duties,  but it’s unclear how this ties to the de minimis expiration on May 2 since JLCPCB is ALREADY collecting a 175% tariff based on the tariff FAQ on their page.

Correction:  Here is an Ali package that I haven't received yet, nope, not sure how this work, but it appears that it DID ship from China:

Your package arrived at local Facility.
Apr 27, 21:59 EST
Package arrived at transit country/region.
Apr 27, 19:12 EST
The package was successfully handed over after customs clearance.
Apr 26, 17:41 EST
Import customs clearance completed
Apr 26, 17:39 EST
Import customs clearance started
Apr 26, 17:25 EST
Arrived at customs
Apr 26, 17:25 EST
Your package arrived at local airport
Apr 26, 10:34 EST
Awaiting flight
Apr 25, 22:42 EST
Package leaving origin country/region.
Apr 25, 19:16 EST
Export customs clearance complete.
Apr 25, 04:09 EST
Export customs clearance started
Apr 25, 02:03 EST
Your package arrived at airport. Awaiting transit.
Apr 24, 12:24 EST
Package left sorting center of origin.
Apr 22, 22:35 EST
Package received by sorting center of origin.
Apr 22, 13:00 EST
Package collected by carrier.
Apr 22, 12:30 EST
Your package is currently being prepared.
Apr 21, 17:39 EST
Your order has been successfully created
Apr 21, 17:39 EST

Sounds like it was just a fast shipment, and since de minimis is still in effect, there are no issues with the customs.

[westfw]

Seeed Studio recently posted this "Maker's Guide to the tariff situation."
https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2025/04/16/navigating-u-s-tariff-changes-a-makers-essential-guide/
(ooh - providing your SSN to Chinese companies, so that they can do the prepaid tariff thing.  Sounds great!)

[Analog Kid]

The Australian system of just adding 10% GST is starting to look pretty good

Your measly 10% GST looks pretty damn good compared to our 20% VAT!

Vatican City State has 20% VAT???

[Analog Kid]

(ooh - providing your SSN to Chinese companies, so that they can do the prepaid tariff thing.  Sounds great!)

Shit, I wouldn't give my SSN to an American company!

[5U4GB]

Vatican City State has 20% VAT???

Peter's Pence are more like Peter's Pounds at today's rates.

That is, unless you regard the whole thing as just a pile of Papal Bull.

[EEVblog]

Kinda sorta tariff related, I tried to get some magnetic multimeter hanger stock for my store, and it turns out the supplier is in China and not Taiwan, so they are limiting exports of magnetic materials (presumably it use neodymium which is a rare earth), so I can only get stock dregs at the moment. They said this should be right come June.

[tautech]

They need keep plenty to support their local EV production which when we were there last August 50% of the cars we saw in Shenzhen were EV, easily identified by their green number plates whereas every ICE car had a blue plate.

It seemed 1 in 10 was a Telsa too !