Leica M lenses avoid retaliatory Tariffs

Have you noticed a higher price on your single malt Scotch this year? Or how about your British biscuits, Italian olive oil, Swiss cheese, Nordic wool, or….. German lenses? As we discussed in an article in October of 2019, a retaliatory tariff was placed on some very random items imported from the European Union after the US won a long fought court case about discriminatory actions against Boeing aircraft in Europe:

The products on the tariff list had no relationship whatsoever to Boeing aircraft. Instead, it attacked popular imports from each country intended to either raise US tax revenue, or to hurt that European country’s exports to the United States. Economically, these products totaled $114 Billion in sales in 2019. Regardless of the reason, products on this list cost US businesses and consumers an extra $28 Billion in 2020.

If you think that it has not affected you, then you have not been paying attention. I can state unequivocally, products such as cables, batteries, chargers, and lenses have cost my company significantly more this year. We can see it in the higher cost of individual products, or in many cases, we pay customs the extra 25% duties directly upon import to Capture Integration.

Luckily for Leica M users, now there is an option. Leica has made a large investment and added a second production line in their manufacturing facility in Portugal. Importantly, these lenses are the exact same quality in every way as the lenses manufactured in Germany. The only difference is that they will not be taxed at 25% when they hit US soil. (For transparency, the old customs rate was 6%)

“We are committed to excellence and craftsmanship. As a result of the US tariffs on Made In Germany Products, we are offering select lenses made in our Portugal facility, delivering the pristine quality and service our customers expect from Leica.”