New Troubles for Fujifilm X-E5
A few weeks ago we wrote an article in which we go through all the struggles the X-E line had to deal with.
Well, the challenges for the X-E line might as well continue with the Fujifilm X-E5.
And in today article I will try to give an answer to the questions some FR-readers made me about how the new tariffs could impact the Fujifilm X-E5 pre-orders.
The news is this: the U.S. set to increase tariffs on Japanese-made products from 10% to 25% starting August 1st. And I would not be surprised if the Fujifilm X-E5 could become one of the first victims of the new policy.
- Disclaimer 1: This is a well-reasoned assumption on my part, but not a confirmed rumor or official information—so please treat it as speculation
- Disclaimer 2: My assumption is based on the very likely scenario that, just like the X100VI, X-T5, X-T50, and X-M5, the X-E5 units bound for the U.S. market will also be manufactured in Japan to avoid the even riskier China tariff policy of the US (which at some point even reached 145%)
So, if Disclaimer 2 turns out to be correct—that is, if the Fujifilm X-E5 units for the U.S. market are indeed made in Japan (as is the case with the X100VI, X-T5, X-T50, and X-M5)—then it’s safe to assume that the X-E5’s launch price was likely calculated based on the current 10% tariff.
And that could be a problem.
Because the Fujifilm X-E5 is officially scheduled to ship on August 28. This means the units destined for the U.S. will likely arrive sometime in mid-August, well after the new 25% tariff goes into effect.
Any shipments arriving after August 1st (pretty much every X-E5 unit) would likely incur the new 25% tariff.
This puts the X-E5 in a particularly vulnerable position—probably priced under one tariff regime (10%) but potentially delivered under another (25%).
So, unlike existing made in Japan gear (X-T5 & Co) already in Fujifilm’s U.S. warehouses (or arriving there before August 1st), the Fujifilm X-E5 could be among the first products affected by the higher rate, putting upward pressure on prices.
Whether Fujifilm will absorb the extra cost or pass it on to customers remains unclear—but the risk of a price increase is real, and growing.
Given what we have discussed, it’s hard to ignore the risk of a post-launch price increase for the X-E5.
That’s why, if you’re seriously considering the Fujifilm X-E5, the best move right now mighe be to pre-order it as soon as possible.
By placing your order today, you’re not just reserving your camera—you’re also locking in the current price, which was very likely calculated under the existing 10% tariff structure.
So if the X-E5 is on your wishlist, don’t wait until August to make your move. Pre-ordering now might be the most cost-effective decision you can make.
And keep in mind: you’ll still have plenty of time to decide whether to keep your pre-order, since the camera isn’t shipping until August 28. Pre-ordering now costs you nothing, but it locks in the current price and protects you in case prices go up later. And in the unfortunate scenario that it goes up, also the price for second hand units will go up.
