## Leica Camera Prices Rise in Canada Due to US Tariffs, Sparking Frustration
Canadian photography enthusiasts will soon feel the pinch of US tariffs as Leica has announced price increases for its cameras in Canada, effective May 1st, 2025. The move, attributed to the way Leica imports its products into North America through its US headquarters, has raised concerns among Canadian retailers who question why they should be subjected to US tariffs.
According to a report by *PetaPixel*, The Camera Store, a Calgary-based camera shop, was notified by Leica USA on April 16th about the impending price hike. Managing Director Peter Jeune questioned Leica’s decision, pointing out that legal avenues exist to avoid charging tariffs when exporting to other countries. However, Leica’s response was that the company aimed for price parity between Canada and the US. This explanation echoes a similar justification from 2019 when, after the US imposed tariffs on German products, Leica cited the complexity of differentiating prices between the two countries.
Leica clarified the situation to *PetaPixel*, explaining that Leica Camera North America manages all imports through its US headquarters, impacting both the US and Canadian markets. Nathan Kellum-Pathe, Leica’s trade marketing & product communications manager, stated that while the “current tariff timeline prevents structural changes for now,” Leica is actively exploring ways to better support Canadian customers, including the possibility of establishing Canada as its own subsidiary within Leica’s global sales network.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The photography industry is increasingly feeling the effects of US tariffs. DJI recently increased the price of its Osmo Pocket 3 camera, first from $519 to $619, and then again to $799 in the US. Blackmagic Design has also raised prices on its digital cinema cameras and even scrapped plans to build a new factory in Dallas, Texas, citing the cost of tariffs on imported semiconductor parts.
The price increase by Leica underscores the far-reaching impact of global tariffs and the challenges businesses face in navigating international trade complexities. While Leica explores long-term solutions to better serve its Canadian customer base, photographers north of the border will unfortunately have to pay more for their coveted Leica cameras.
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