Why ham-radio prices just jumped (and what it means for hams)

Over the last few months hobbyists have noticed something uncomfortable: the sticker shock when shopping for a new rig. Multiple dealers and community threads are reporting across-the-board increases (some citing MSRP bumps and some simply passing on new tariff surcharges), and manufacturers and distributors are quietly re-pricing or warning dealers that list prices will rise. The net effect is higher new-radio prices, tighter availability on some models, and a livelier used market. Below I pull together what’s happened, show a few real-world price snapshots, explain the causes, and outline the likely supply-and-demand fallout.

Quick summary / headline points

• Dealers and forums report price increases effective in mid-September 2025 with some lines up to ~15% higher. RadioReference.com Forums
• Tariff policy and sudden changes to import duty have been widely cited by dealers and reporting sites as a primary driver for these increases. Q R P e r
• Example retailer price snapshots (below) show the gap buyers are feeling today vs what many expected earlier in the year. Gigaparts+2Gigaparts+2

Example “before / after” snapshots (real retailer listings)

These are representative retailer snapshots rather than official manufacturer MSRP changes — they show what buyers saw on dealer web pages.

• Icom IC-705 (portable HF/VHF/UHF)
  • Earlier / launch pricing reference: the IC-705 was widely introduced at roughly $1,299 (launch/MSRP discussions). Reddit
  • Current retailer listings (sample): several U.S. dealers are listing the IC-705 in the $1,350–$1,500 range (for example HRO / Main Trading Company show listings near $1,499.95). This reflects recent dealer pricing and promotions. Ham Radio Outlet+1
• Yaesu FT-991A (all-band “field” transceiver)
  • Current retailer snapshot: Gigaparts lists the FT-991A at $1,249.95 (inventory/backorder notes on the product page). Use this as a current market price point (dealers vary). Gigaparts
• Icom IC-7300 (popular HF base rig)
  • Retail snapshot: Gigaparts currently shows the IC-7300 with a displayed price of $1,099.95 (regular price listed higher, with mail-in/instant rebates noted). This is an example of how dealer pricing and promotions can mask underlying MSRP movements — some dealers have pulled rebates or raised the “instant” price as input costs changed. Gigaparts

Takeaway: prices vary by dealer and model, and some of the “increase” story is dealers re-normalizing previously heavily-discounted models (rebates/promos being removed) while other increases are outright list/MRP bumps tied to tariffs and higher costs.

Why prices rose — the short list

1. Tariff and import duty changes. Several industry posts and dealer notices point to new or reinstated tariffs on products and components from Japan/China that can add double-digit percentage increases to landed cost. Dealers and commentators have explicitly linked recent price moves to tariff actions. Q R P e r+1
2. Component, shipping and input-cost inflation. Like many electronics sectors, radio makers face higher costs for semiconductors, passives, mechanical parts, and freight. When component costs jump, manufacturers either absorb margins (unsustainable long-term) or raise prices. (Dealers have been passing alerts to customers about surcharges.) Quality Two-Way Radios
3. Product lifecycle and new model launches. When manufacturers announce refreshed models (e.g., IC-7300 MK2 or new Yaesu product lines) existing inventory dynamics shift: older units sell through, new models carry new prices, and dealers adjust pricing expectations. ICOM Japan+1
4. Dealer inventory and promotions normalized. Many buyers had benefited from deep promos and rebates over the past few years. As those temporary discounts end dealers revert to higher base prices — a different phenomenon to a manufacturer “raising MSRP” but one that feels the same to shoppers. Gigaparts

Supply & demand implications (what to expect)

• Short term — tighter availability, stronger used market: If dealers push prices up and shipments are delayed by tariffs or component shortages, fewer new units will be available quickly. That drives buyers to the used market — raising prices there as demand shifts. Community threads already note more used listings and rising used prices as prospective buyers delay or switch. Reddit
• Buyers may accelerate purchases: When dealers warn “prices jump on date X” some buyers buy now rather than later, causing temporary spikes in demand and faster stock depletion (we’ve seen dealers emailing customers to “buy now”). RadioReference.com Forums
• Longer term — market correction possible: If tariffs are temporary or manufacturers can rework supply chains (shift sourcing, localize production, redesign BOMs), prices could relax. Alternatively, persistent geopolitical trade friction could keep prices structurally higher. Commentary in industry blogs suggests both scenarios are possible. Buy Two Way Radios+1

Practical advice for buyers

1. If you need a radio today: consider buying now from a reputable dealer if the model is important — rebates/promotions sometimes vanish when supply tightens. Dealers have been emailing warnings; those notices are not just clickbait. RadioReference.com Forums
2. Shop around and watch shipping/stock alerts: price tags vary by dealer and promotions change rapidly; set alerts at HRO/DXEngineering/GigaParts/authorized resellers. Gigaparts+1
3. Consider used market carefully: used rigs may be a good value, but expect sellers to ask more if new prices climb. Inspect carefully, ask about return policy and service history. Reddit
4. If you can wait: monitor tariffs and manufacturer announcements — if tariffs rollback or supply chains improve, prices could soften in the medium term. Buy Two Way Radios

Final thoughts

This isn’t just an electronics hobby issue — it’s the intersection of trade policy, global supply chains, and a small specialty market. For hams that means two things: (1) short-term pain for buyers (higher costs and some stock shortages), and (2) a renewed incentive to shop smartly — compare dealers, consider used gear, and weigh whether the extra cost buys you meaningful extra capability for your operating style.