just about to raise this as well, and I actually currently have an order stuck at customs from them.
I usually source my models from the two Canadian stores, westcoastdiecast and mv400, due to their better prices: MSRP+10%off plus free shipping, this usually gets you NG/PH widebody for about $50 flat, compared to US retailers which is around $55 at least (and these small differences add up). I buy relatively a good amount, like around 20 models a month.
I don't know what's gonna happen with my order, but if I'm forced to pay any extra it will be my last order from them unfortunately. Sadly US retailers will raise as well which means NG/PH will be in the $60 range which is just unnecessary so unfortunately my plan from now on is forced to be sourcing models entirely from China and have myself/my friends bring them over.
The whole point of tariffs is to support domestic businesses.
Of course, nothing is that simple as in this case U.S. retailers could also be affected due to the China tariffs, and a lot of us are actually importing stock from Canada (3D Design Deck).
The tariffs on Chinese products could benefit U.S. model manufacturers, if there were any of course. But even in that hypothetical scenario, the advantage of Chinese tariffs would be negated, at least partially, with higher labor costs associated with stringent immigration policies.
It will be interesting to watch for sure, but as usual with politics, I think there will be a whole lot more talking than actions.
Having said all that, I don’t think models are cheaper in Canada anyway.
I do buy a lot from Canada, but that is because circumstances allowed me to build a couple of good relationships with store owners in that country and those relationships came with certain benefits.
But barring those good business relationships, prices are more competitive in the U.S.
There are currently two stores in the U.S. that offer free shipping on all orders (one also offers a 5% discount another one does a lot of promotions offering 15%). One that offers free shipping on orders above $149 (with a 10% discount) One that offers free shipping on orders above $120 (with a 13% discount).
Then you have another two big stores, one of which is particularly known for lower prices, that while don’t offer free shipping, do offer very competitive shipping and both offer 10% discounts also.
Many of the good prices I found in Canada came as a result of price matching from US stores.
I can’t speak for MV400, but sounds like you could do a bit more research on U.S. retailers. Many of us don’t do the amount of social media advertising that MV400 does. Glad to hear it is paying off for them.