Español
Shenzhen, March 28, 2025 — China's photography equipment manufacturers are facing their toughest challenge in years as former President Donald Trump's new tariff order raises duties on selected products from 25% to 45% upon his return to the White House. The move is projected to impact over 200 Chinese exporters, with annual export value expected to shrink by $3 billion.
Cost Surge Disrupts Supply Chains
Customs data shows China exported $5.8 billion worth of photography gear to the U.S. in 2024, accounting for 28% of global sector exports. "For a $200 tripod, we now need to cut FOB prices by 15% to retain buyers, which zeroes out our profit," said Lin Wei, CFO of a Shenzhen gimbal manufacturer.
Industry reports indicate 23% of SMEs in manufacturing hubs have initiated layoffs, while a Dongguan lens module factory suspended production after orders plunged 40%.
Relocation Rush Meets Reality Check
A Suzhou-listed lighting equipment firm invested $24 million in a new Vietnam plant, but CEO Wang Liqiong noted: "Vietnamese workers' productivity is 30% lower, and defective rates are 18% higher due to incomplete supply chains."
Though Mexico's photography equipment output surged 210% since 2023 as a nearshoring hotspot, its industrial electricity costs remain 32% higher than Guangdong's, prompting some buyers to return to Chinese suppliers via cross-border e-commerce.
Market Fragmentation Emerges
B&H Photo's procurement list reveals professional cine gear still comes from China due to irreplaceability, but entry-level products now source from Thailand and Malaysia. A California photographers' survey shows 27% price hikes on camera bags have caused 23% members to delay upgrades.
"Chinese-made LED panels still dominate on performance-price ratio," said an Amazon category manager, "but we're redirecting 45% traffic to SEA sellers for tariff compliance."
Industry Countermeasures
The China Photography Industry Association and Commerce Ministry rolled out three relief measures:
1. A $1.5 billion R&D subsidy fund
2. Expedited 7-day export tax rebates
3. Cross-border quality certification with RCEP nations
One Shenzhen gimbal maker successfully reclassified products as "AI robotics components" to cut tariffs by 12 percentage points—an innovative approach sparking sector-wide debate.
Road Ahead
Morgan Stanley forecasts 2025 U.S.-bound exports will drop to $4.2 billion, while EU exports may grow 19%. Analysts note the tariffs could accelerate Chinese firms' high-end transition, with DJI already relocating cinema stabilizer production homeward for tech security.
"Short-term pain is inevitable," said a MIIT official, "but China's complete supply chains and Industry 4.0 capabilities will propel value chain upgrading."
