President Donald Trump’s recent threat of a 50% tariff on imports, particularly targeting the European Union, could significantly affect the U.S. firearms market. As of May 23, 2025, this proposed tariff, set to potentially begin June 1, aims to address trade imbalances but may hit gun owners hard.
Imported firearms from countries like Austria (Glock), Italy (Beretta), Bulgaria (Arsenal) and Germany (Heckler & Koch) face a potential 50% price hike, up from a previous 20% tariff. This could add hundreds of dollars to the cost of popular handguns and rifles. For example, a $500 imported pistol could jump to $750 or more, pricing out budget-conscious buyers. Accessories like optics, often sourced from China (facing a 104% tariff), could also see steep increases, further straining enthusiasts’ wallets.
The big question that I have as an AK shooter is should I buy another one now or wait and see where the cards fall?
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