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Hermes defies US tariffs as sales grow

October 22, 2025 / 12:35 PM
Hermes defies US tariffs as sales grow
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Sharjah24 - AFP: French luxury brand Hermes, best known for its silk scarves and iconic Birkin handbags, reported stronger-than-expected sales in the third quarter despite US tariffs and a weak dollar.

The company posted a 7.2 percent increase in US sales, reaching 714 million euros ($829 million), while global revenue climbed five percent to 3.9 billion euros.

Chief Financial Officer Eric du Halgouet said growth in the Americas was “driven by all product lines,” emphasising that the United States remains a strategic market for the brand.

Dollar impact and pricing strategy

Hermes noted that sales growth would have reached 14.1 percent without the decline in the US dollar. Despite the new 15 percent tariff on European goods, the company has kept prices stable since the EU-US tariff agreement in July.

“We’ll continue to invest in this strategic market,” Halgouet said, citing the opening of a new boutique in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier this month.

Global performance and market Compariso

The company’s overall third-quarter performance outpaced rival LVMH, whose sales fell four percent due to currency fluctuations. In China, however, Hermes reported flat revenues, reflecting ongoing challenges in the luxury sector.

Hermes’ stock dropped 4.7 percent in morning trading in Paris, though the group maintained confidence in its medium-term outlook, reaffirming an “ambitious goal for revenue growth at constant exchange rates.”

New designer appointment

Hermes announced that British designer Grace Wales Bonner will take over its men’s prêt-à-porter collection, succeeding Veronique Nichanian, who held the role for nearly 40 years.

This change marks another step in a wave of creative reshuffling across major fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Loewe, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Outlook and industry context

Despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Hermes remains among the most resilient players in the luxury market. Over the first nine months of 2025, the company recorded a 6.3 percent increase in sales, reaching 11.9 billion euros.

Its continued growth highlights Hermes’ ability to maintain strong demand and exclusivity even amid volatile exchange rates and softer luxury spending worldwide.

October 22, 2025 / 12:35 PM

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