How the New Tariffs are Affecting SmallHD Products
Recent volatile changes in foreign trade have resulted in increased tariffs on certain goods imported and exported between countries. These changes have had a direct impact on the cost of materials used to build monitors at SmallHD. We understand that price changes can be frustrating, which is why we want to be transparent about what is happening and what we are doing to support our customers through this time.
What are tariffs, and how do they affect SmallHD?
What are tariffs, and how do they affect SmallHD?
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. These taxes need to be paid by the party that is importing (not the party that is exporting). When these taxes increase, the cost of bringing in materials from other countries also increases. For SmallHD, this means higher supply chain costs, especially for components sourced from regions now affected by these tariffs.
Tariff-related costs under Section 301, Section 232, and IEEPA for some of our components have increased dramatically, in some cases by over 100% and up to 170%, depending on the product and supplier. Because of this, many of our departments have shifted resources to stay on top of all foreign trade updates and investigate more affordable alternatives where possible. We hope that soon these efforts will mitigate the effect of the tariffs on ourselves and our customers.
Why don’t you move your supply chain to the USA?
Why don’t you move your supply chain to the USA?
While this is something we have often explored, due to the nature of many of the parts needed, it is not always possible. There are a variety of components that make up a SmallHD finished product, many of which we have to import from countries including China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan because they are not available in the USA. For example, our Quantum-Dot OLED panels are sourced from Samsung in Korea; many of our metal parts are designed in the USA and manufactured in China as they are the global leader in CNC machining and are able to produce parts in small volumes and at a high quality, while also remaining competitively priced. This is something most other countries (including the US) are unable to provide. When we evaluated domestic sourcing options, we found that due to higher costs and limited availability, we have to continue relying on some international suppliers for key components.
Why are SmallHD’s prices so high?
Why are SmallHD’s prices so high?
At SmallHD, our prices reflect the premium quality and craftsmanship that go into every product we make. Unlike many companies that outsource the majority of their production, our product design and assembly takes place right here in the USA. This allows us to access top engineering talent, maintain strict quality control, and frequently update/improve the products during their lifespan.
Our goal is to deliver reliable, professional-grade monitors built to perform in the most demanding environments. From rugged builds to industry-leading displays, every detail is thoughtfully engineered — and that level of performance and durability comes at a cost. We believe in investing in quality, and we’re proud to stand behind every product we offer.
Why are SmallHD’s prices changing? How much of the cost are you passing to the customer?
Why are SmallHD’s prices changing? How much of the cost are you passing to the customer?
Due to these tariffs, there is no way around the fact that our overall costs have increased substantially and require a similar increase in prices in order for us to remain in business. Unlike some of our competitors who fully design, manufacture, and ship from China, our costs are much higher since we design, assemble, and ship out of the USA.
While we have absorbed as much of the costs as possible some price adjustments have become unavoidable. These changes ensure we can continue to deliver the high-quality gear you've come to expect from SmallHD. We have made every effort to minimize price increases and are adjusting pricing now solely in response to significant increases in our material costs due to tariffs.
When are prices changing? Will they go back down if tariffs are alleviated?
When are prices changing? Will they go back down if tariffs are alleviated?
Materials with increased tariffs have been hitting us since March 2025, but the new prices will take effect starting May 2025, in line with when we’d be selling out of in-stock inventory and utilizing new components with higher prices due to tariffs.
We will continuously monitor the tariff impact and if tariffs are reduced, yes, we will audit our costs and pass the savings to you as soon as possible. This is why we continue to isolate the tariff impact amounts, sku-by-sku, and do our best to remain transparent.
Which products are affected?
Which products are affected?
All of our products are impacted. However, each product is impacted differently, which is why our team is auditing everything we produce, line-item by line-item, in order to understand the precise costs, rather than applying a blanket % increase.
What about repairs?
What about repairs?
Tariffs may also affect the cost of out-of-warranty repairs that require new parts. Warranty-covered repairs remain subject to our standard policy. If you have a repair question, please reach out to our support team.
What else is SmallHD doing to help?
What else is SmallHD doing to help?
The main objective is to find viable short-term and long-term solutions that will lower the cost of goods. We’re currently investigating:
- Alternative suppliers from the USA as well as from countries with lower tariffs.
- Re-engineering products to adjust the manufacturing process for metal components without affecting product quality.
How will I know if a price has changed?
How will I know if a price has changed?
Any pricing adjustments will be reflected on our website. If you have any questions about a specific product, our sales team is always here to help.
Final thoughts
Final thoughts
We want to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. These changes haven’t been easy for anyone and we truly appreciate your continued support of SmallHD. Please know that we’re doing everything we can behind the scenes to maintain reasonable prices for our community while also protecting the jobs of our dedicated team.
Our goal is to continue delivering the high-quality tools you rely on, without compromise. We’re committed to being transparent every step of the way and will keep you informed as things evolve.
Thank you for being part of the SmallHD community.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and reflects SmallHD’s understanding of the applicable trade regulations and tariffs as of April 2025.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and reflects SmallHD’s understanding of the applicable trade regulations and tariffs as of April 2025.
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