- September 10, 2008
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The following manufacturers will have a price increase beginning October the 1st 2008
Omron: Click here and here for more information.
Idec: Click here for more information.
Mitsubishi: Click here for more information. - June 22, 2008
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Key Imports will be moving soon to its new facilities!
Our new location will be The Landing in Knoxville, TN.
- June 09, 2008
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Key Imports launches its new web site
- March 14, 2008
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Dollar hits new 12 year low against the Yen!
In over night trading the U.S. Dollar fell past 100 Yen to the dollar. The Yen hit 99 Yen to the dollar for the first time in 12 years! This signals an increase in prices on any and all goods imported from Japan.
- January 31, 2008
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Discounted Parts List Updated
We have updated our Discounted Parts list to reflect our most recent inventories. Click here to see what is available.
- January 25, 2008
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YEN Continues to Fall
The exchange rate of the Japanese Yen continues to fall dramatically against the US dollar. Keep watching our website for the current exchange rate.
- October 9, 2007
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2007 Supplier Performance Report
Once again, Key Imports has exceeded industry standards for delivery times. Please click the following link to view a PDF showing our most recent Supplier Performance Report:
- October 4, 2007
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Why are bearings so expensive!
Many inquire as to why some bearings are more expensive than others. The U.S. Government has identified many makers of bearings that they believe are selling bearings below the cost to make the bearings. Ball bearings are generally the target of the U.S. Government’s attention. In an effort to keep U.S. bearing companies from going out of business due to these cheap bearings being “dumped” on the U.S. market the government levees an “Antidumping Duty” to more than double the actual cost of the bearings.
Key Imports continues to work with our customers to identify these makers so as to avoid these ridiculous fees. I have attached a copy of our latest “Notice of Action” to show what happens when you import bearings that the government intends to charge these fees (please click on the thumbnail to see a larger view). Keep in mind our government has the right to charge these fees years after the bearings have been imported. Last year Key Imports had to pay over $1,500.00 additional duty because of this law and we cannot go back to our customers and ask for the additional duties. I find it interesting to note that the U.S. Government keeps the Antidumping Duty that they collect!
- September 12, 2007
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Yen crashes through 115 Yen
The dollar continues to weaken against many foreign currencies including the Japanese Yen. The dollar fell below 115 Yen which is a bench mark that bears watching. This will cause most goods coming from Japan to cost more.
- August 16, 2007
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Japan’s Annual Summer Shutdown
Japan will have its annual summer shutdown from 8/12 - 8/19. All shipments and quotes will be delayed until the week of 8/20. Please be sure to keep sending all requests and orders since they will be worked in the order they are received.
- August 8, 2007
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Kanon Digital Caliper Product Specs
We still have Kanon digital calipers (0 - 150mm) available for $80.50. For more information, please download this product’s specifications sheet in PDF format.
- August 1, 2007
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Key Imports Receives Target Achievement Award
Key Imports is proud to announce that we have been recognized by Franklin Precision Industry, Inc. as the recipient of their Target Achievement Award in recognition of our target achievement in quality and delivery:

- July 31, 2007
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New Partner - Bestool Kanon
Key Imports is pleased to announce our new partnership with Bestool Kanon. Their wide inventory of parts and tools helps us expand our already wide product offerings.
- July 26, 2007
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Heavy Pressure Pushes Yen below 120
The Yen is under pressure and has fallen below 120 Yen several times in overnight trading.
Part-Time Employment Opportunity: Inside Sales
We currently have a part-time employment opportunity available in inside sales. For more information and to apply, please contact us.
Special: Kanon digital caliper 0-150mm - $80.50 each
We are currently offering a special price on Kanon digital calipers (0 - 150mm). While in stock, you can purchase them for $80.50 each.
A Common Problem when Importing Bearings
Doing business with Key Imports means you are leveraging our extensive importing experience to your advantage. We anticipate commonly overlooked problems related to importing the parts and products that you need to keep your business running.
As an example and for your information, the following PDF document addresses a common problem experienced when importing bearings:
One of the problems most often experienced by Customs and Border Protection is the lack of required invoice information. Part 141.89 of the Customs Regulations requires that bearing importers furnish information not included on normal commercial invoice [sic]. This includes but is not limited to the type of rolling element that makes up the bearing, i.e. radial ball, cylindrical roller, tapered roller, etc., certain measurements, including the outside diameter of ball bearings and tapered ball bearings.
This Bearing Import Notice also includes a copy of the invoice necessary for this type of import.
- March 5, 2007
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Yen at 3 Month High
The Japanese Yen is at a 3 month high to the US dollar. Please be aware, if the Yen should drop below 115 yen / US dollar, this will amount to approximately a 10% increase in price on all items.
- January 31, 2007
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Discounted Parts List
If you are searching for discounted MRO parts, you will want to bookmark our discounted parts list as we will be updating it frequently.
- December 18, 2006
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We Do Custom Machine Work
THIS IS NOT A FABRICATION SHOP!!! We are a High Precision Tool & Die Shop. Our entire shop is in a Climate Controlled Environment. This enables our onsite Lab to provide customers a Certificate of Inspection on all items produced. Each product is traceable to NIST standards. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us directly.
- December 15, 2006
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Repairs…We Service What We Sell!
Key Imports sends all repair items to the original maker in Japan or Europe. If the repair costs more than 50% of a new item then we do not repair it unless the customers approves. When the item is not going to be repaired, we scrap it at the maker unless the customer wants it back. The customer pays shipping if they want the item shipped back and the maker may charge an inspection fee. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us directly.
- December 1, 2006
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On Time Performance Reports
Key Imports continues to exceed industry standards for delivery times. Please click the following link to view a PDF showing our most recent Supplier Performance Report:
- November 28, 2006
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Revised Import Regulations for Wood Packaging Materials
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has revised its import regulations for wood packaging materials (WPM). Please view the following PDF files for information regarding these new rules:


06/22/2008 - Our new location will be