Navigating the Tariff Storm: Are you making the right purchases?

Recent U.S. tariffs have sent shockwaves through the firearms industry, nearly halting imports from key regions like the European Union, Switzerland, and Serbia. These tariffs (20% on EU goods, 39% on Swiss products, and a staggering 35% on Serbian imports) are driving up costs for firearms, parts, and ammunition. But what many enthusiasts might not realize is how these tariffs interact with the existing 11% federal excise tax, compounding the price hikes and squeezing importers, distributors, and consumers alike.

Let’s break it down with an example. Consider a $1,000 firearm imported from the EU. A 15% tariff increases the base cost to $1,150. The 11% federal excise tax, applied to the post-tariff cost, adds another $126.50 ($1,150 × 0.11), bringing the total to $1,276.50 a substantial increase over the original price. For a Swiss firearm facing a 39% tariff, the cost jumps to $1,390 before excise tax, and with the 11% tax ($152.90), the final price hits $1,542.90—a 54.29% increase. Serbian imports, with a 35% tariff, fare similarly. Not to mention that Zastava announced recently that Serbian exports have been halted for the time being.

Ammunition faces a similar crunch. For example, a case of 1,000 rounds of 9mm FMJ from Sellier & Bellot (Czech Republic, EU) now incurs a 20% tariff, adding roughly $40 to the cost, per industry estimates. Add the 11% excise tax on the new price, and the increase compounds further. Serbian ammo from Prvi Partizan, hit with a 37% tariff, could see costs rise by $100 or more per case, potentially pricing it out of the U.S. market entirely.

Importers are caught in a tough spot. With profit margins already razor-thin, often just 5% per case of ammo, absorbing these costs is nearly impossible without passing them on to distributors, dealers, and ultimately consumers. But the market is soft, with gun sales down and inventories high. Why import at higher costs when demand is sluggish? Many importers may simply pause, waiting for pre-tariff stock to clear or for trade policies to shift. This could lead to shortages, especially for popular imported brands like Zastava, B&T, or CZ.

So What?

So, why am I writing this? It’s not about diving into the politics of tariffs or debating their merits. It’s about informing you, collectors, investors, and shooters, with the knowledge to make smart choices. Forget the noise from keyboard warriors on forums. If you’ve got your eye on a Swiss B&T APC9 or a Serbian Zastava ZPAP for next year’s Kalashbash, now’s the time to act. Vendors are still moving pre-tariff inventory, but once it’s gone, expect sticker shock or empty shelves. Brands like FN, Glock, and Sellier & Bellot are also in the crosshairs, so consider locking in purchases before prices climb further.

Knowledge is power, and in a shifting market, timing is everything. Stock up on that European or Serbian gear now, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re outshooting the competition next season.

“Hey bro, where’d you get that ZPAP? I can’t find them anywhere.”