If you have been watching the news or reading your daily dose of X (Twitter), you’ve no doubt noticed that the United States’ tariffs are making a huge splash in the sea of international politics and economics. And of course, just as everything else these days, depending on who you listen to, these tariffs are either going to save America or set us back decades. Trying to figure out the effect on the country as a whole is quite the challenge. To be honest, does anyone know? Probably not.
However, we don’t want to focus on the WHOLE economy, just the essential products. I’m talking about the items that matter most. I live in North Carolina, and when it snows or there’s even a threat of snow, we know all about the essentials - bread, eggs, and milk. No one’s worried about the apples or ketchup. No, we need the three essential ingredients. What are they essential for? I don’t really know. French toast, maybe?!
Anyways, back to the products imported that truly shape us as a country and people. The backbone of the American economy. The products that scream life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Fitness equipment.
I know, just what you were expecting.
Okay, honestly, it probably was because you know, this is a fitness equipment company’s blog.
While automotive, tech, and consumer imports are important, at the end of the day, we just want to train hard and get strong and fit. I mean, what good is a Subaru when it comes to getting jacked? We don’t need a nanochip processor, we need ninety-pound dumbbells, of course. So if you’re anything like me, I’ve been watching the news, sweating in nervous anticipation of how the tariffs will affect fitness equipment pricing.
Okay, before we get too far into this journey, let’s take a trip back to everyone’s favorite class - macroeconomics. Whether you took the class 3 years ago or 30, you no doubt covered tariffs and their role in pricing. But a little refresher never hurt. Let’s get up to speed on what tariffs are and how they work.
What are Tariffs?
Tariffs are basically taxes that are levied on importers.
For instance, if the US were importing goods from China, the US could impose a tariff on China and make the Chinese companies pay a tariff (tax) on the goods coming into the US. It’s essentially a fee that countries must pay to have their goods enter another country in customs territory.
There are two primary types of tariffs:
#1) Specific Tariffs
Specific tariffs are flat-rate tariffs. For example, the US may impose a specific tariff on China for tennis rackets. For every tennis racket imported, China must pay $5. In this way, the type of racket doesn’t matter as much as the number of rackets.
For example, a $20 racket and a $200 racket would both have the same tariff.
#2) Ad Valorem Tariffs
Ad valorem tariffs are percentage-based. Ad valorem means “according to value” in Latin, and it is exactly as it sounds. Using the same example as above, if the Ad valorem tariff percentage was 10%, the $20 racket now carries a $2 tariff, while the $200 racket comes with a $20 tariff.
Alright, I’m sure you have a couple of ideas in mind, but you may be wondering, “What’s the point?” Why are tariffs levied, and does anyone ever win?
They are almost always used as a protection measure. Let’s look at a few reasons tariffs are generally levied:
#1) Protect a Country’s Domestic Production
This is a big one. If a country is looking to foster the growth of its own industries, it may consider tariffs as an option. Take, for instance, the US. For decades, we have been in a trade deficit (we import more than we export). We have been relying heavily on foreign goods for quite some time. While this may be a good economic short-run decision, some would argue it could (and has) weakened the US infrastructure for production.
I mean, just look at Detroit and the impact foreign car imports and manufacturing have had on a once-booming town.
Now, is this a good or bad thing? Well, depends on who you ask. But we do know that this is one way a tariff can aim to protect a country’s production.
Another way they can protect production is in developing countries. If a country is trying to get off its feet, it may place tariffs on foreign imports as a way to protect its developing manufacturing infrastructure.
#2) Protect Jobs
You’ve no doubt seen this one during election season.
Protect American jobs. Well, one of the measures used to try to do this is levying tariffs against other countries. One of the biggest expenses in manufacturing products is labor. Other countries have less strict labor laws and lower wages than we do in the US. Thus, it’s pretty easy to undercut truly American-made products.
Now, there is a truth and an emphasis placed on “Made in America,” mostly because up until this point, we have generally had higher standards of quality and labor.
#3) Protect the Country
The final major reason tariffs are used is as a retaliatory measure, often as a measure to increase national security.
They are a “peaceful” retaliation against a foreign country. They are not quite as intense as blocking trade and other economic sanctions, but the other country will certainly get the message. However, the other country (as we are seeing) can also retaliate and levy tariffs of their own.
These tariffs can be levied for economic, political, social, or any number of other reasons. They are a method to escalate conflict between countries.
Alright, our econ lesson is over. Let’s now look at what the pro-tariff crowd is saying.
What is the White House Saying?
After all, let’s go straight to the source on trade policy.
According to the White House, “Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.”
So if we think back to our protectionary measures, it is clear the Trump administration is concerned with protecting American industry and our current trade deficits through their trade policy. Simply put, they are concerned we no longer have the manufacturing base to succeed. Now, of course, are we fine for now? Most would say yes. But their argument is that we are too leveraged when it comes to consumer goods.
They are also concerned that our defense needs are too reliant on foreign adversaries. Obviously, that puts the US in a tough situation as well. The tariffs are thus looking to also protect national security.
The statement continues, “In 2023, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4%, down from 28.4% in 2001.”
The worry is that this manufacturing decline can lead to a permanent lack of competitiveness if it continues.
Their trade policy stance is not only based on protection. The report put out by the Trump administration cites a few studies and analysis, one of which states, “A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China and effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.”
Now, will it work? Only time will truly tell. But let’s take a quick look at the counterargument as we wrap up our look into tariffs as a whole.
What are the Critics Saying?
While the Trump Administration is confident that new tariffs will protect jobs, manufacturing infrastructure, and our country, there are many critics who say otherwise regarding his economic policy.
Recently, German-based sportswear company Adidas has announced it will raise prices in the wake of the tariffs. This is going to be a likely trend according to the CNBC CEO Council (sounds pretty fancy, right?!). Anyways, they said they expect “prices will rise anywhere from 5% to 20%.
This is the potential risk of tariffs and Trump's economic policy, as critics are quick to point out. If you are increasing the cost of an item at any point along the production route, the extra cost will likely, at least in part, be passed on to the end user - the consumer. Whether shipping costs are higher, materials are more expensive, or there are tariffs in place, at least in some regard, critics argue that higher prices can be expected.
In an analysis of the tariffs by CNBC, they noted, “Another factor that will influence pricing is sharp changes in supply and demand. As companies begin to pull back on orders, which is happening already amid the uncertainty related to overseas manufacturing costs and domestic consumer demand, lower supply will potentially serve as a force sending prices higher.”
In general, critics focus on how tariffs are going to increase prices on consumer goods. The exact percent is largely unknown, but it does seem reasonable to expect some price hikes. Now, I imagine the White House would push back that even if price hikes come in the short term, the long-term effects are going to be advantageous for our nation as a whole, including the consumer.
Do we really know? Nope. Time will tell, and the history books will let us know who was right, but in the meantime, I know the question you are probably wondering - “What impact will all of this have on fitness equipment?”
Well, lucky for you, we are going to jump into that now.
How do Tariffs Impact the Fitness Equipment Market?
The fitness equipment market is made up of two gigantic segments - new and used. It is safe to say they will impact each market in different ways.
It’s very similar to saying, “How will tariffs impact cars?” Well, which cars - Lambos or Chevys, new or used, Subarus or Fords? It certainly depends.
In the same way, fitness equipment is a very broad market. I mean, we’ve got treadmills, dumbbells, rubber flooring, and Bosu balls all in the same category. What do they even all have in common, except maybe you sweat on all of them?
Anyways, in order to truly unpack the impact of tariffs on the fitness equipment market, we need to first break about the market into two subsets - new and used. Let’s start with the new fitness equipment market.
New Fitness Equipment Market
The truth is, we don’t fully know.
However, based on some recent news and trends, here is the most likely outcome.
With new equipment, much of it is made oversees. Now this is not always the case as some companies pride themselves on being “Made in the USA.” However, even that tagline can be misleading.
It’s kind of like buying eggs. Have you ever been at the grocery store deciding between which eggs to buy and being utterly confused at the absurdity of all the options? Like, first of all, you’ve got the size of the eggs - regular, large, XL. Then you’ve got the cage-free, free-range, and pasture-raised labels. Then you’ve got to decide on organic or not, plus we didn’t even mention the blue eggs (how do they even have blue eggs?!) or duck eggs. Between all the labels and marketing, it’s really hard to know what you are buying.
Anyways, “Made in the USA” can be a similar phrase. Yes, the product could have been manufactured largely here, but parts could have been shipped from other countries that went into building that product. Now, the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t let just anything fly, as they have said, “all or virtually all” of the product must be made in the USA to legally use the label.
Nonetheless, even domestic producers who use parts from foreign producers are going to be in a sticky situation. Companies like Titan Fitness and Rogue Fitness manufacture both domestically and internationally with foreign firms.
The vast majority of fitness equipment manufacturers rely largely or solely on foreign firms for manufacturing. Here’s what this can mean for new fitness equipment:
#1) Higher prices
This is the big one. Let’s take a pair of dumbbells, for instance. Let’s say the dumbbells are manufactured in China and would typically sell for $100 pre-tariffs. Well, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the average tariff on Chinese goods is 124%. Since 2020, the US has imposed an average of about a 20% tariff, so the new tariff is significantly higher, and escalates the trade war.
These are hypothetical numbers (and a gross simplification), but let’s say the entire import tax gets passed on to the end consumer. This is the thinking of opponents to the tariffs. If the dumbbells had cost $80, then the 20% tariff rate brought them to roughly $100, as in the example above, the equivalent post-Trump tariff would put the cost at $180 - a massive price increase. Now, think about buying multiple sets of dumbbells; you could easily be looking at almost double the price.
Now, China is a country with which the US has imposed quite high tariffs. For this reason, we can’t fully predict the impact the tariffs will have. For instance, if XYZ Fitness Manufacturer manufactures in South Korea, ABC Fitness Manufacturer manufactures in Mexico, and Fitness Manufacturer 123 manufactures in China, they will each be dealing with customs barriers caused by varying import duties or tariff rates.
Another element leading to the uncertainty is that these tariffs are subject to change on a whim. So there is always a possibility that the Chinese tariff rates drop back to the 20% range and foreign firms can better compete with American-based firms again.
However, all things considered, expect new fitness equipment prices to rise. Even if the consumer doesn’t take on the full weight of the tariff, it is likely that most of the cost increase will be applied to the consumer.
This is certainly not ideal. If there is a positive side as far as fitness equipment goes, it is this. With high import taxes looming, companies will likely eventually pivot to American-based manufacturing. This will likely lead to higher quality products and more American jobs. How long will it be until we see this? Only time will tell.
In my opinion, companies will have to wait until the “shock” of the whole thing settles down. These tariffs are quite high. They are protective. But, how permanent are they? I believe business leaders will need to see a sense of permanence and confidence before making drastic manufacturing changes.
In the meantime, the most likely solution - higher prices and operations run the same as normal. Tariff costs will likely be passed to the consumer in the short run, until a sense of normalcy can be established and businesses can adjust more confidently.
#2) Production delay
This one builds off of the last. I suspect that the uncertainty of the tariffs will lead to a production delay.
Fitness equipment companies will be put in a tough situation. Once their current inventory is gone, do they raise prices? Do they put a pause on manufacturing to let the dust settle?
Best guess, a little bit of both. And if we go back to 6th-grade economics, lower supply leads to higher demand and higher prices. So, as if the tariffs themselves weren’t impacting prices enough, it’s likely that they lead to higher prices through a decrease in supply.
Fitness companies are going to be stuck in a sort of limbo.
Alright, so that’s the new equipment market. If I’m being honest, it looks bleak in the short run. Now, are there protective measures benefits that we aren’t taking into account? Of course. Unfortunately, protecting your bank account will likely not be a short-term effect if you are looking to buy new fitness equipment.
Okay, so what about used fitness equipment?
Used Fitness Equipment Market
So, the used fitness equipment market is quite interesting.
Let’s look at two probable outcomes:
#1) Short-term stability
Tariffs only apply to goods coming into the US. So, the used fitness equipment market would seemingly see no effect.
I do imagine this will be the case, at least in the short term.
Markets generally take some time to adjust, meaning that used fitness equipment will likely stay at similar prices it has been. So, whether you are looking at buying on Facebook Marketplace, Freedom Fitness Equipment, or your buddy down the street, used equipment shouldn’t change in pricing much.
Now, with that being said, markets do catch up. There is simply no way that a pair of new dumbbells that one month ago sold for $100 and today sell for $180 won’t impact the price of the used dumbbells you are trying to buy. Think about how most used equipment is priced - typically, the seller looks online, finds a comparable new product, and knocks off 20-50%, depending on condition. Well, unfortunately, that new price just shot up, so all of a sudden, the used fitness equipment market shot up too.
#2) Less supply
With gym owners (whether commercial or home) seeing the price increase on new equipment, it is very likely that there will simply be less used fitness equipment.
They will likely opt to maintain and keep their current equipment. This lack of supply can also drive up prices further, leading to pricier gym equipment.
Now, it is possible you have gym owners who also see that their used equipment is worth more and thus don’t mind the higher new equipment prices, kind of like buying a house when the market is hot, but also being able to sell your previous house in the same market.
I suspect this impact will be felt less, and that most of the long-term price increase will be due to the import taxes on new fitness equipment.
Alright, so now what? All this more expensive talk is making me want to put my hoodie on, headphones in, and go train. What can you do today?
What now?
Well, assuming the tariffs stay in place for the foreseeable future, here’s the rough outlook. Current pricing will likely stay in the short-term, especially in the used fitness equipment market. In the intermediate, pricing will likely increase substantially. This is certainly speculation, but it appears likely. Now, long-term, the tariffs could protect American businesses, promote jobs, and lead to a more stable environment for producing American-made goods. During this time, the hope would be that prices drop or are at least stagnant.
What does this mean for you? Well, assuming things stay as they are, it looks like now is the time to purchase gym equipment. If you’ve been thinking about that home gym setup, treadmill, or even dumbbell set, now may be the best opportunity you will have for a while.
Could this change? Of course, and that is the unfortunate part about all of this. The tariffs could be dropped, and pricing would be overall unaffected. But, we truly have no way to know.
If you are considering new fitness equipment, I would have a greater sense of urgency for purchasing. But here’s the thing: Used fitness equipment is generally a better buy.
Now, this depends on a couple of major factors.
#1) Type of equipment
If we are talking dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates, these things are virtually indestructible. If you find a good deal on any of these pieces used, go for it. There’s almost no upkeep on any of this, except for minimal barbell best practices.
On the flipside, things like cardio machines are pieces of equipment to be much more wary of. You can still find great deals and well-maintained used pieces, but it is important that you are more picky. Treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals will certainly break and require more maintenance than a pair of 25-pound dumbbells.
#2) Condition of equipment
Nothing you wouldn’t expect here.
No rust on your metal pieces of equipment. No holes or upholstery issues on benches and machines. Just be sure that the pieces are used and not USED. Be sure they were properly stored and maintained, or be sure you get a great deal.
While there is a lot of uncertainty, there is one thing we are certain of: as Mark Bell always says, “Strength is never a weakness, and weakness is never a strength.” Get your hands on quality gym equipment, whether new or used, before the tariff effects are fully realized.
Sources
Bown, Chad P. “US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart.” Peterson Institute for International Economics, 12 April 2025, https://www.piie.com/research/piie-charts/2019/us-china-trade-war-tariffs-date-chart.
Eddy, Melissa. “Adidas Warns Sneakers Will Cost More in the U.S. as Trump's Tariffs Take Effect.” The New York Times, 29 April 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/business/trump-tariffs-adidas-shoes.html.
“Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security.” The White House, 2 April 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/.
LaRocco, Lori Ann. “Trump tariffs: When consumers should expect inflation, price hikes to hit wallets.” CNBC, 9 April 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/09/companies-citing-trump-tariffs-in-price-hikes-today-taking-advantage.html.
Nguyen, Stephanie T. “Complying with the Made in USA Standard.” Federal Trade Commission, 2 July 2024, https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-made-usa-standard.
“What Are TARIFFS And Do They Work.” YouTube, 27 November 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eooypa3SkQ.