Every cappuccino sipped at a bustling café in Chicago or New York has told a story of style and innovation – largely thanks to Fermob’s colorful outdoor chairs. But behind the familiar curves and vibrant hues lies a new challenge: rising U.S. tariffs on EU goods are squeezing margins and sending retail prices skyward.
Bernard Reybier, president of the 100-year-old French manufacturer, shared with CGTN that a chair once priced at $150 in the U.S. must now sell at $175. 'We're feeling the pinch,' he notes, as rising costs erode profits and prompt a strategic rethink.
To safeguard growth, Fermob is shifting its focus away from the U.S. and exploring new horizons in Australia and across Asia. Central to this pivot is a bold plan to deepen its footprint in the market in the Chinese mainland – a region where design-driven outdoor living is booming.
Reybier is optimistic that easing tensions between the U.S. and the Chinese mainland could unlock fresh opportunities. 'A smoother path for trade benefits everyone – businesses, consumers, and the broader economy,' he says.
As global trade dynamics evolve, Fermob’s journey offers a window into how heritage brands are adapting with agility – finding new markets, adjusting prices, and betting on a more connected future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
