I just got a decent sized order of carbide inserts directly from China, no added tax on it? I guess there is some kind of limit my orders are falling under. Most are usually under $100. I have 3 small orders in the mail now of various tooling. Just got in two separate orders of carbide end mills. I see that Grizzly has added the tariff cost on some of the lathes and they are showing as out of stock.
The biggest impact on my business was with the aluminum strip cost going out of sight. Thankfully I bought a two years plus supply of my most used aluminum stock 6 months ago. Aluminum has jumped at least $1 per pound in the thicker metal and the thin stuff has shot up to $3.00 more than 6 months ago. I've see some well over $6 per pound. Thats copper territory!
I talked to my main metal strip supplier and he said H14 aluminum is higher per pound than 110 copper today. I probably just bought one of the last aluminum rolls left at semi-sane pricing. But, I needed it for a new project. I'm glad I didn't pay over $6 like some folks are. I think I would just pass or buy copper.
I better not get started complaining about A2 tool steel prices! Its more than any 25% increase folks. Maybe the supply will come back and prices will become more reasonable. Aluminum pricing its just stupid right now. I guess gov types don't realize it cost much more to make Aluminum in the US than say Canada, I bet the imported aluminum will still be cheaper even with the 25%. I wish it was just 25% in increased cost, but that is not so. I bet lots of guys are hurting bad right now, I can absorb the increase for now. But, if it goes on long all end user prices will go up drastically. More than any 25%.