The US government announced global “reciprocal tariffs”, which include a 24% tariff on Japan. The tariff, which is expected to take effect in one week on April 9th, would levy a tax of 24% on imports of all goods from Japan.

As the majority of Canon cameras and lenses are manufactured in Japan, if the tariff proceeds as planned, most Canon items will see an import levy of 24% when entering the USA. We expect that this would add 24% to the cost that Canon USA would pay when importing Canon cameras and lenses from Japan. Once Canon USA exhausts its current inventory of products, we predict that the higher cost would be passed on as a significant price increase to dealers (and eventually to end-consumers).

Note that shipping via a third-country does not avoid the tariff (as tariffs are based on country of origin, not shipment). For example, purchasing Canon cameras from stores in Canada would still be subject to the 24% tariff on Japan, as the “country of origin” is Japan (not Canada).

There is still significant uncertainty as to the magnitude of the actual tariffs and the implementation date, but the next few days are an excellent time to purchase cameras and lenses before what may be a lengthy period of price uncertainty.

Peak Design‘s 14th kickstarter campaign, the Peak Design Roller Pro, is just shy of $10M of pledges, one of their most successful crowdfunding campaigns yet. Due to the demand, they’ve added new fulfillment options: you can choose “Standard Fulfillment”, which will ship in July & August, at a price of $425; or you can now choose a new “2nd Fulfillment”, which saves you an additional $10 (now $415) and ships in September/October. Please note they have limited spots left for their “Standard Fulfillment”.

This campaign has been very popular, as their roller is very impressive; it’s obvious that great care has been taken to design this bag with utility in mind. Check out this entertaining six minute video which explains their design ethos and steps through the many features. They also have the new bag available to view in-store at their New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles retail locations.

Check out the Peak Design Roller Pro Kickstarter campaign.

As with all Kickstarter campaigns, there is always a risk that creators will not be able to fulfill the rewards of the pledge. The company behind this campaign has a history of delivering successful campaigns, so the risk is lower (but never zero). Pledge at your own risk!