Former Amazon employees’ start-up that makes smart home products 'thanks China' in video: 'end of an era...'

Wyze, a startup that makes smart home devices and wireless cameras, is nearing the completion of its relocation of manufacturing facilities out of China, a move reportedly expedited by recent trade policies. The company's efforts to shift production have been underway for over a year, but were intensified after Wyze faced a substantial tariff bill.“We set an impossible goal to move our factories out of China in 90 days. A video from our CEO on the factory floor. We're all packed up,” the company said in a post. “It's the end of an era, thank you China,” it added.According to a recent post on X, Wyze paid $255,000 in tariffs on a shipment of goods valued at $167,000. This significant financial impact from the 145% tariff on Chinese imports has spurred the company to expedite its transition.“Just got our first tariff bill. We imported $167k of floodlights and then paid $255k in tariffs. That’s more than any of our founders were paid last year,” the company said.While some reports indicate Wyze is moving its factories to Vietnam, the company has not confirmed the exact locations. Wyze aims to complete this relocation within approximately 60 days.“Obviously we’d love to move our factories back home to Seattle. We just need to figure out to make the rain in Seattle power an assembly line,” the company said.The move comes as many U.S. companies grapple with the effects of increased tariffs on Chinese goods. While some tech devices are exempt, the rising costs are prompting companies to adjust their supply chains and consider alternative manufacturing locations.