Leica is shifting some of its lens production to Portugal in order to escape a punitive tariff by the United States that makes its products made in Germany that much more expensive.
Leica was very upfront about the reasoning for the move to make some lenses in Portugal.
“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,” the company wrote in the press release about the lenses.
The Red Dot Forum provided the following price list for the lenses:
Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $USD 4,395, German Price: $USD 4,895
Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $USD 2,295, German Price: $USD 2,595
Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Silver – MiP Price: $USD 2,595, German Price: $USD 2,895
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $USD 3,295, German Price: $USD 3,695
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Silver – MiP Price: $USD 3,495, German Price: $USD 3,895
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $USD 3,995, German Price: $USD 4,395
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Silver – MiP Price: $USD 4,195, German Price: $USD 4,695
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black-Chrome – MiP Price: $USD 4,595, German Price: $USD 5,095
Summicron-M 50mm f/2, Black – MiP Price: $USD 2,395, German Price: $USD 2,695
And, as PetaPixel points out, the average discount is anywhere from $USD 300 to $USD 500 depending on the model.
What do you think of Leica’s move to shift some lens production to Portugal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below if you like.
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