This update, directly from founder, Jean Simonet, has been adapted from the communication shared with our Kickstarter Backers and contains transparent, detailed information about Pixels production. Some details may have been adjusted to focus on Pre-order info vs Backer Rewards. These updates are published at the end of each month and will continue to be re-published on the Pixels Blog with information relevant to Pre-order customers.
Hello backers,
A short update for a short month - here's the latest.
US Backers - Tariffs Update
The supreme court proved me wrong this month, as a little over a week ago it ruled on the legality of using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. As a result, the White House announced that it will terminate the reciprocal tariffs (10%) and "fentanyl-related" (10%) tariffs imposed on China.
However, the administration immediately moved to impose new tariffs based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. First announced to be 10% then immediately increased to 15%, a temporary surcharge will be imposed on all goods imported into the U.S. globally, with a validity period of 150 days.
The MFN and Section 232/301 tariffs (15% in our case) were also unaffected by the Supreme Court's decision. In effect, the overall tariffs imposed on China has only changed from 35% to 30%
- Before SC Decision: 15% MFN/Section 232/301 Tariffs + 10% Reciprocal Tariff + 10% Fentanyl-Related Tariff
- After SC Decision: 15% MFN/Section 232/301 Tariffs + 15% Temporary Surcharge under Section 122
Unfortunately, this means I must ask our US backers for more patience. I know this is infuriating. I am also fully aware that we wouldn't be in this situation had I not taken so long to make your dice in the first place. I wish I had better news, I'm sorry.
Non-US backers - Shipping Update
As of today, about 500 shipments have left the warehouse. Our first batch was supposed to be a little bigger, but we received a large number of replies to the "double check your address" email we sent and it takes a bit to process them before submitting the orders for shipping. Plus I have had a few technical issues with the new fulfillment center order syncing that delayed things further. Apologies to those who haven't yet received their shipping notice, they will be sent shortly.
If you haven't received any email from us yet, DO NOT WORRY! I am trying to process the colorway swap and address confirmations in batches, your reward will be processed soon.
Lastly, please do not write Luna "just to check" on a ticket or the status of your shipment if you can avoid it; our ticket queue is pretty large already. I will send an update when all non-US orders have shipped.
Other...
I still haven't had time to fix the Large Charging Case firmware. Dealing with the logistic issues related to the new fulfillment center and colorway swap has taken most of my time this month. It is next on my list, along with an update to the app that should finally add dddice integration as well as a couple new features.
That's all for now, more soon.
Jean
