Schoeps Price Increases

[rmac]

The U.S. list prices of Schoeps mics have just gone up significantly. For example, a KMIT shotgun capsule has just gone from $1575 to $1869, an increase of $294.*

 

I have not seen any statement from Schoeps, or its US/Canada distributor Redding Audio, about the reason for these increases. The increases appear to be much higher than what Redding would be paying in tariffs on new imports. As I understand it, the current tariff, until July 9th, is equal to 10% of the price that Redding would pay Schoeps for a newly imported mic.

 

Two days ago, the US Court of International Trade held that the 10% tariff is illegal. The Court’s decision was unanimous. It was made by three judges appointed by Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Yesterday, the appeal court decided that the government can continue to charge the tariff pending appeal. The condition is that the government will refund the tariff if the original decision is upheld. The refund would go to Redding. Redding has not said whether it will pass on any refunds it receives to  customers.

 

* Trew Audio’s website still displays $1575, but also says that the KMIT is on back order.

 

[Jim Feeley]

I'm only semi-tracking the tariff dance. But as I understand it, Germany might face a 10% tariff that might soon increase to 20%. I don't know if that will be the same as or in addition to the possible 20% tariff on most goods from the EU. 

 

Reed-Smith, a law firm that deals with a lot of shipping and trade stuff, has a tariff tracker that seems to be regularly updated (like almost every day): https://www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/05/29/trump-2-0-tariff-tracker/

 

And maybe the cost increase isn't related to, or fully related to the US tariff stuff.

 

So I agree that it would be great to see a statement from Schoeps and/or Redding. But considering everything, I can see why they might not want to yet.

 

The timing bummer: JUST YESTERDAY, I decided that yes, I could really use a KMIT capsule. 

[Bouke]

Ah, that's what Arlo Guthrie predicted!

'Coming into Los Angeles
Bringing in a couple of K's
But don't touch my bags if you please

Mister Customs Man'

[rmac]

Jim, thanks for that link.

 

My understanding is that EU imports are subject to the 10% “baseline” tariff until July 9th, at which point Trump says that the tariff may increase to 50%.

 

The decision by the Court of International Trade throws a major wrench into Trump’s current plan. The appeal court wants submissions by June 9. From that court, an appeal to the Supreme Court appears certain.

 

That said, the Schoeps price increases are so high that they have to be based on more than the current tariff.

[rmac]

I’ve had a brief exchange with Redding about the price increases. Schoeps has not released a statement, but the increases are apparently not solely a reaction to the U.S. tariffs.

[Patrick Tresch]

No price increase here in Switzerland. It even lowered due to xchange rates. Probably also a factor € vs $. 

 

[rmac]

9 hours ago, Patrick Tresch said:

No price increase here in Switzerland. It even lowered due to xchange rates. Probably also a factor € vs $. 

 

In its brief exchange with me, Redding didn’t go into detail on the reasons for the price increases, but did say this:

 

”I do undestand the devaluation of the dollar plays a role in addition to the Tariffs.”

[DSatz]

The last U.S. price list was issued March 5, 2024 when (according to www.exchange-rates.org) one Euro was worth $1.08581 US. Now it is worth $1.13878, which is nearly 5% higher.

 

The attached graph of dollar vs. Euro values is from www.dollarfx.org .