Fujifilm Moves Production of Popular X Series Cameras from China to Japan for U.S. Buyers

Welcome to 2025, where agility is king and companies are learning that what worked yesterday might not fly today. In a smart and timely move, Fujifilm is shaking things up by shifting production of several top-selling X Series cameras from China to Japan, all to better serve the U.S. market and sidestep some sticky international trade drama.

What’s Moving and Why It Matters

Four fan-favorite cameras are getting new homes on the production line in Japan, and if you're in the U.S., that's what you’ll be getting from now on:

• X-T5 – This is Fujifilm’s powerhouse APS-C mirrorless camera, packed with a high-res sensor and pro-level features.
• X-T50 – Slim, lightweight, and flexible, this one’s built for creators who shoot everything from street to studio.
• X-M5 – Think of it as the perfect middleweight, with great specs and just the right balance of size and performance.
• X100VI – A modern classic with retro style, built for fast shooting and loved by street photographers around the globe.

These Japan-built models will have new SKUs to tell them apart from the Chinese-made versions. Not everything is changing though; Fujifilm will still produce other camera models in China, especially those not headed to American shelves.

Why the Switch?

This isn't just about factories; it's about tariffs, politics, and smart business. Right now, the U.S. has a "tariff truce" with China that brought duties down to 30 percent from a whopping 145 percent. Still, that's nothing compared to the 10 percent tariff on Japanese imports. Fujifilm is betting on smoother sailing with Japan, and frankly, it’s a solid gamble.

Will Prices Change?

Short answer, no. Even with the move back to Japan, Fujifilm has no plans to raise prices on these four models in the U.S. That's worth pointing out since most brands go the other direction to cut costs. This choice looks more like a long-term play to protect market share and consumer trust rather than a quick cash grab.

What This Means for You

A "Made in Japan" label still carries weight. It speaks to quality, craftsmanship, and reliability, and Fujifilm knows it. This shift could boost the brand’s image in the U.S. and make these cameras even more appealing. Whether this is a permanent realignment or just a temporary pivot remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that Fujifilm is thinking ahead and putting its chips on stability.

Source: For the full breakdown, check out the original article from PetaPixel.