Donald Trump’s Tariffs Affect AmiAmi, Aitai Kuji, and Hobby-Genki

Why It Matters

The shipment delays raise import costs and disrupt supply chains for niche hobby markets, pressuring retailers and U.S. consumers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court nullified 2025 Trump tariff authority
• Tariff rate currently sits at 10% globally
• AmiAmi, Aitai Kuji, Hobby-Genki pause US shipments
• DHL and FedEx handling DDU shipments differently
• De‑minimis exemption removal raises import costs for collectors

Pulse Analysis

The United States’ recent Supreme Court decision overturning President Donald Trump’s 2025 tariff measures has reignited debate over trade policy and its ripple effects on niche import sectors. By declaring the executive action beyond statutory authority, the court forced a recalibration of the global tariff rate, now hovering at 10 percent. Coupled with the expiration of the de‑minimis exemption— which previously allowed low‑value goods to enter duty‑free— the new landscape imposes higher landed costs on hobby retailers that specialize in Japanese anime figures and related merchandise.

Japanese e‑commerce platforms such as AmiAmi, Aitai Kuji, and Hobby‑Genki have responded by placing U.S. orders on hold, citing logistical bottlenecks with major carriers. Aitai Kuji’s notice highlights pending clarification from DHL, while Hobby‑Genki reports that DHL‑delivered‑duty‑unpaid (DDU) parcels continue, but FedEx‑handled DDU shipments remain in limbo. These carrier‑specific constraints exacerbate the financial strain on retailers, who must now navigate fluctuating duty rates, revised customs documentation, and potential customer dissatisfaction.

For U.S. collectors and retailers, the combined effect of higher tariffs and the loss of the de‑minimis threshold translates into longer lead times and increased price tags for imported collectibles. The situation underscores the vulnerability of specialized supply chains to policy shifts and may incentivize alternative sourcing strategies, such as domestic production or regional distribution hubs. As the trade environment stabilizes, stakeholders will closely monitor future regulatory adjustments and carrier negotiations to mitigate ongoing disruptions.