- The first half of 2025 was satisfactory, given the turbulent times we’re living in. Despite president Trump’s whimsical tariffs policies, sales to the United States remained brisk until July, which is a quiet month anyway. July was even slower, allowing us to enjoy an unprecedented heat wave in Finland.
- The backdrop changed sharply in early August, when Trump announced the abrupt termination of the de minimis zero tariff policy for individual parcels under $800 on August 29, instead of two years from now. The tariff for EU-made goods is now set at 15%, but there is no final agreement, and many issues are subject to further negotiations. Stability, please!
- Given the uncertainties regarding USA, we are looking at alternative market areas and segments. So is everyone else. We have worked hard to develop our line of bass speaker cabinets. The Nordic Bass Fest ´25 on September 26-28 in Gothenburg, Sweden, will set the stage for the world premiere of two models: the TOOB 12BE, with a heftier bottom for bass guitar, and Metro 8BG, handling 200W RMS in a compact, 2.5 kg format.
- The strong demand for Metros caused a shortage of black body material. A new batch was promised in late June, but the production run was postponed into August. I’m happy to report that we are able to produce Metros again.
- Our workshop for the past 8 years has been located in an old industrial building. Demolition has been in the cards, yet the request to vacate the premises by the end of September still came as a cold shower. Fortunately, we had a hunch of an alternative Espoo location, more expensive but in many ways superior. The relocation will take place in September, aiming at minimum disruption of service.
- Coming back to Trump’s tariffs, they are bound to accelerate inflation not only in the US, but globally. We, too, will have to raise prices. When and by how much, can´t say yet.
Cheers!
Markku