Effective June 1, Pioneer and Alpine joined other top brands including ROCKFORD, KENWOOD, and JVC in raising prices.
According to industry members, Pioneer’s price increase is approximately 20 percent for car radios and amplifiers. Pioneer speaker and subwoofers remain at current prices. Alpine’s price increase was generally 20 percent across the board.
Suppliers continue to evaluate their pricing plans based on the frequent changes in tariff fees (see below). Memphis Car Audio recently said it would not put into place a previously planned price increase.
Sony has kept pricing steady but is not holding its typical seasonal promotions.
KICKER has not raised prices.
Industry members, however, say further price increases are possible.
Another concern remains the possibility of shortages as some suppliers canceled orders on many car audio products in April when 100 percent-plus tariffs were announced on Chinese goods. Some manufacturers are still not accepting orders on certain products (especially low end speakers sourced in China), said industry members.
Tariffs on Chinese imports currently stand at 30 percent. Most of the price increases by car audio companies fall in the 20 percent range.
On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed reciprocal tariffs globally, including on Canada and Mexico. (Corrected, thank you H.B.). Then on May 29, a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated many of the tariffs, allowing the tariffs to remain in place, as they are tested in the courts.
There is some short term pain here, for certain. In my opinion, it is very important for every specialist to take a close look at lines and evaluate what makes sense for them at this time, as a lot of things have changed, and are continuing to change rapidly. The goal posts have shifted and it is a very fluid situation. I am trying to stay current in doing all of the analysis of our business. It can be a shock, and regardless of political beliefs, my belief is that when all of the dust settles, this may be a positive for our business, rooting out a lot of the direct to consumer low quality offshore goods that we are up against, or at least making it more difficult for them to compete in our marketplace. But I would understand the other side of the argument as well, that all tides would rise evenly. Time will tell.
Can’t make an omelet until you break some eggheads.
Keep moving the goal post back, to justify the actions.