Tariffs and sky high audio prices.

@snapsc. Yes, most certainly KEF and other speaker manufactures would have to have either higher prices or lower profit margins if they moved production to higher labor cost locations. Look at the price difference between KEF's made in the UK Reference line and the rest of their products. No doubt Uk manufacturing costs are a part of that difference. 

Consumers want the highest quality and greatest product diversity for the lowest possible price. In our own little audio corner of the retail universe, witness the constant carping about "rip off" prices of boutique audio gear with low production volume and high labor costs. The market has responded by giving people what they want by chasing the lowest possible labor costs. 

Limitless pursuit of that principle has proven to be a bit of a Faustian bargain as far as the social implications though. In the Western world, we've got ever increasing product diversity and a downward trend in the number of middle income people to support the market. 

It will be interesting to see how the ripple effects from the use of tariffs plays out with people already stretched to the max and struggling to get by. We as a nation aren't accustomed to personal sacrifice in the interests of long term goals. 

+1 Strikeeagle

“trade wars are good, and easy to win”

Trump knows best?

Lawsuits can't help with international economics and politics..

Well, the new Village People trade policy (USMCA) has resulted in around 10% more trade imbalance (the wrong way). So far, so good?
Can't wait for the loss of small businesses and the cascading effects if and when the Mexico tariffs go into effect. 

Big businesses can absorb immediate hits but the mom and pop shops can use the thoughts and prayers approach and see how it works.

All the best,
Nonoise

I don’t know what comes next but on the bright side some say anything that helps assure only another year or so of Donald Trump can’t be all bad.

Allegedly.....

In other relevant good news, my hifi still sounds good so far despite tariffs.


2/3 of my gear is from good ol’ US companies, mostly Audio Research and Bel Canto in Minnesota and OHM in Brooklyn, but I fear most of the parts even for those come from China and perhaps even Mexico.

Darn, I done got myself edited, well at least not deleted. Got to give it to the moderators they are surely watching this thread.
I am enjoying this one immensely for its civility and information but see the offended  crowd emerging. Before it turns into a circus, let's just put this to bed. I enjoyed keeping up with this thread but it's being hijacked.