4/9/2025  Discovertopsailisland.com

 Ammo Prices Set to Surge: New Tariffs Trigger Industry Shake-Up 

Panic Buying May Be Coming 

A major shake-up is hitting the U.S. ammunition market — and it’s happening fast. With the announcement of sweeping new import tariffs by President Donald Trump on April 2, ammunition prices are poised to rise significantly, and signs of a buying frenzy are already emerging.

If you haven’t stocked up yet, the time to act might be now — before shelves start to empty and prices shoot sky-high.

Why Are Ammo Prices Going Up?

The newly imposed tariffs affect a wide range of foreign imports — and that includes ammunition and raw materials critical to firearm and ammo manufacturing. Many of the most affordable ammo brands in the U.S. market are produced overseas, and they’re now facing tariffs as high as 37%.

Countries hit hardest by the tariffs include:

  • Serbia (PPU) – 37% tariff
     
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina (Igman) – 36%
     
  • South Korea (PMC) – 25%
     
  • European Union (Sellier & Bellot, RUAG, etc.) – 20%
     
  • Turkey, Brazil, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan – 10% each
     

On top of this, Chinese-made optics and accessories face a 34% tariff, and steel from Canada and Mexico is now subject to a 25% import fee. This creates a ripple effect that stretches far beyond imported ammo, driving up prices across the board.

The Price Surge Has Already Started

Even before the ink was dry on the new tariff list, industry insiders began reporting noticeable changes in pricing. One notable foreign manufacturer has already bumped their prices by 10% overnight, directly matching their new tariff rate.

Other brands and calibers are expected to follow suit in the coming days and weeks. And it’s not just imported ammo — even American-made products are likely to get more expensive as raw materials like steel, copper, and brass rise in cost due to tariff-related pressure.

Is Panic Buying Next?

History shows that sharp price increases tend to cause panic buying — fast. When buyers get wind of ammo prices going up, they rush to grab what they can while prices are still reasonable. That rush quickly drains inventory, leading to empty shelves, limited availability, and even steeper prices.

The warning signs are already here. Retailers are quietly advising customers to buy now while inventory sourced pre-tariff is still available. Once those supplies run out, restocks will reflect full tariff costs — and they won’t be cheap.

Most Affected Calibers

If you rely on any of the following calibers, you may want to stock up ASAP. These are among the most likely to see the steepest price hikes:

  • 9mm
     
  • 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem
     
  • 7.62x39
     
  • .308 Win / 7.62 NATO
     
  • .380 ACP
     
  • .38 Special
     
  • 12 gauge shotgun shells
     

Even niche European calibers like 8mm Mauser and 7.62x54R are expected to become harder to find and more expensive due to the origin of their production.

Even U.S. Ammo Isn’t Immune

Domestic ammo brands may seem like a safe bet — but rising raw material costs tell a different story. Many manufacturers rely on imported steel, copper, and lead, which are also affected by the new tariffs.

For instance:

  • Steel from Brazil now carries a 10% tariff.
     
  • Copper, mostly imported from the EU, is now under a 20% tariff.
     
  • Lead, a staple of nearly every bullet, is seeing increased costs as South Korean imports are now subject to a 25% tariff.
     

This means even your go-to U.S.-made rounds could see upward pressure on price tags.

 What Happens Next?

While no one can predict the exact trajectory, the signs are clear:

  • Ammo prices are rising.
     
  • Availability will tighten.
     
  • Consumers are starting to respond.
     

The longer these tariffs remain in place, the more pressure builds across the market. Retailers are bracing for high demand, and manufacturers are reassessing supply chains. If history repeats itself, the market could see a wave of buying that outpaces supply — creating both price spikes and product shortages.

What You Should Do Now

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and avoid paying premium prices (or worse, being left without ammo at all), consider these tips:

  1. Buy sooner, not later – Pre-tariff inventory is still in the pipeline, but not for long.
     
  2. Prioritize high-demand calibers – Focus on rounds most vulnerable to supply chain shifts.
     
  3. Be flexible – If your preferred brand or grain weight is unavailable, grab a reliable substitute while you can.
     

AUTHOR'S NOTE: 

One of the most affordable and reliable sources we’ve found for high-quality, budget-friendly ammunition is Sold Ammo, LLC, located right here on Topsail Island, NC. You can browse their full inventory and take advantage of their great prices through their GunBroker store at the following link:  https://www.gunbroker.com/all/search?sort=13&includesellers=8151005&pagesize=48