Recent developments have brought troubling news for retro gaming enthusiasts. As trade tensions rise, duties on products imported from China are about to increase significantly. Starting May 2, these goods will be taxed at a staggering 90% of their declared value, with a minimum fee of $75.
On June 1, this minimum duty will rise further to $150. This marks a serious blow to the affordability of retro gaming handhelds. The complications for these devices began recently when the Trump administration announced the end of the de minimis exception that previously spared items valued under $800 from taxation.
Now, with tariff rates tripling, nearly all retro gaming handhelds will see prices effectively double or triple after the new duties take effect. This shift will likely make budget-friendly options nearly impossible to find. As these tariffs apply directly to consumers, anyone looking to purchase a gaming handheld should act quickly.
If you have your sights set on a device like the TrimUI Smart Pro or the AYANEO Pocket DMG, ordering as soon as possible is advisable to ensure delivery before the April 2 deadline. Delays are also anticipated for upcoming pre-orders, such as the Retroid Flip 2 and Retroid Pocket Classic, which are set to ship next week. This is not the first attempt by the Trump administration to clamp down on the de minimis loophole; an earlier effort in February was postponed due to logistical issues.
With systems now presumably in place, the current measures are designed to bring stricter control over imported goods. Gamers should prepare for heightened costs in the near future.
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