Are Trump's Tariffs Working to Bring Back Ammo Manufacturing to the USA? CBC Global Ammunition's $300 Million Oklahoma Investment
Author: Aleksa M. | Publish Date: May 13, 2025 | Fact checked by: Marko Lalovic
In a major development that appears to validate the effectiveness of recent tariff policies, CBC Global Ammunition has announced a substantial $300 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Oklahoma. This significant commitment, announced today, comes at a pivotal time when the ammunition industry is navigating the complex landscape of tariffs imposed on imported ammunition.
CBC Global Ammunition: A Manufacturing Powerhouse
CBC Global Ammunition stands as one of the world's largest ammunition manufacturers, producing over 1.5 billion rounds annually and employing more than 3,000 professionals across multiple countries. The company serves as the holding company for several renowned ammunition brands including Magtech, Sellier & Bellot, MEN, and most recently, SinterFire.
The company's global footprint spans three continents with operations in Brazil, the USA, Germany, Belgium, and India. With nearly a century of experience in ammunition manufacturing, CBC has established itself as a dominant force in military, law enforcement, sporting, self-defense, and hunting ammunition markets.
The Oklahoma Investment: A Strategic Response to Tariffs
CBC's decision to invest $300 million in a new manufacturing facility at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Oklahoma represents a strategic pivot in response to changing market conditions. The facility will be built on more than 550 acres of land with historical significance as a former munitions factory during World War II.
According to Fabio Mazzaro, President of CBC and board member of CBC Global Ammunition, "This facility will be a cornerstone for our future growth in the world's most important market for small caliber ammunition. With in-house production of all components, propellant and critical energetic raw materials we envisage to build an industry-leading and fully vertically integrated company".
The new facility will be capable of producing all centerfire cartridges from 9mm up to 12.7mm and will supply law enforcement, U.S. military, and the U.S. sports and hunting market. Ground-breaking is expected to take place in late 2025, with the project creating approximately 350 jobs.
How Tariffs Are Affecting CBC's Brands
The recent tariffs have created significant challenges for CBC's portfolio of ammunition brands, each affected differently based on their manufacturing locations:
Magtech Ammunition
Magtech, which currently manufactures in Brazil, has been hit with a 10% tariff - the lowest among the affected manufacturers but still substantial enough to drive up prices. For example, the cost of 9mm ammunition is expected to increase by approximately $20 per 1,000 rounds. As CBC's master distributor in the U.S. for all brands within the group, Magtech has not yet provided clear updates regarding shipment status or potential price changes in response to these tariffs.
Sellier & Bellot
The Czech-based Sellier & Bellot, which was acquired by Colt CZ Group in a deal where CBC Global Ammunition became a 28% shareholder in Colt CZ, faces a more substantial 20% tariff as a European Union manufacturer. This tariff is expected to increase the cost of basic 9mm FMJ ammunition by approximately $40 per 1,000 rounds, potentially making many of their products uncompetitive in the U.S. market. Despite the change in ownership, Magtech USA remains the exclusive distributor for Sellier & Bellot ammunition in the United States.
SinterFire
CBC Global Ammunition acquired SinterFire in August 2023, adding the pioneer in lead-free bullet technology to its family of companies. While specific tariff impacts on SinterFire products haven't been detailed in the available information, the company continues to operate independently out of its headquarters in Kersey, Pennsylvania. As a U.S.-based manufacturer, SinterFire may be less directly impacted by the tariffs compared to CBC's foreign-manufactured brands.
The Broader Impact of Ammunition Tariffs
The tariffs have created immediate challenges for numerous international manufacturers. Companies like Igman, STV Group, Belom, ZSR, and BPS have paused shipments to the U.S. while they evaluate the financial implications and engage in tariff negotiations. This pause in international supply could lead to inventory constraints, particularly affecting calibers with limited domestic alternatives.
For example, 7.62x39 ammunition, which is primarily imported, could face shortages if international supply remains restricted beyond 90 days. Even popular calibers like 5.56 may experience market pressures depending on demand patterns and supply chain adjustments.
Are Trump's Tariffs Working?
CBC Global Ammunition's $300 million investment in Oklahoma provides compelling evidence that tariff policies are indeed achieving their intended effect of bringing manufacturing back to American soil. By making imports more expensive, these policies create economic incentives for companies to invest in domestic production facilities.
This approach appears to be working as designed:
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Foreign manufacturers are facing increased costs to sell in the U.S. market
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Domestic production becomes more economically competitive
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Companies like CBC Global are responding with major investments in U.S. manufacturing
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American jobs are being created as production shifts to domestic facilities
For ammunition retailers and consumers, this transition period may involve some short-term pain in terms of availability and pricing. However, the long-term outcome could be a more robust domestic ammunition manufacturing base less vulnerable to international supply chain disruptions.
What This Means for the Future
The CBC investment represents a significant vote of confidence in the U.S. market and demonstrates how tariff policies can reshape global manufacturing strategies. With the capability to produce all centerfire cartridges from 9mm up to 12.7mm, the new Oklahoma facility will help reduce America's dependence on imported ammunition.
As Governor Kevin Stitt noted, "Because of our business-friendly policies, our support of law enforcement and the Second Amendment, and our unbeatable logistical advantage, it is a no-brainer for companies to choose our state".
For CBC Global Ammunition, this investment allows them to maintain their competitive position in the U.S. market while avoiding the tariffs that are currently affecting their imported products. It also positions them for future growth in what they describe as "the world's most important market for small caliber ammunition"
The ammunition manufacturing landscape is clearly evolving in response to these policy changes, with CBC Global Ammunition leading the way in bringing production back to American soil.
Author:
Aleksa Miladinovic

Aleksa Miladinovic is a passionate technology enthusiast born and raised in Serbia, whose interest in defense technology was sparked by his country's rich firearms manufacturing heritage. His journey began when attending a Partner defense exhibition in Belgrade, where he was captivated by the innovative engineering and precision mechanics behind modern defense systems. With Serbia being a significant producer of military equipment in the region, Aleksa has developed a deep appreciation for the technical advancements and engineering excellence that the firearms industry represents.