B&H just released nine new Leica M-mount lenses made in Portugal with new lower pricing (see also this page for more info):
Here is the list of new lenses:
Update from Reddotforum – it seems that the new lenses will be available for sale only in the US – this is Leica’s response to the recent 25% tax introduced by President Trump:
“The motivation behind this move is straightforward. Last year, the US Trade Representative imposed a 25% tariff on a wide range of European goods, including German-made optics. Leica instituted a small price increase to partially cover some of this additional expense. In an effort to mitigate this financial burden for US customers, Leica created a new production line in their existing Portugal facility. Apart from the “Made in Portugal” instead of “Made in Germany” engraving, the lenses are identical in design, manufacture and warranty.”
Made in Portugal lens range:
| Product Number | Description | Price | Availability |
| 11716 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal) | $3,995 | Aug 2020 |
| 11717 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Silver (Made in Portugal) | $4,195 | Aug 2020 |
| 11715 | Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black Chrome (Made in Portugal) | $4,595 | Aug 2020 |
| 11708 | Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal) | $3,295 | Sept 2020 |
| 11709 | Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Silver (Made in Portugal) | $3,495 | Sept 2020 |
| 11712 | Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Silver (Made in Portugal) | $2,595 | Sept 2020 |
| 11707 | Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal) | $4,395 | Dec 2020 |
| 11711 | Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, Black (Made in Portugal) | $2,295 | Dec 2020 |
| 11719 | Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2, Black (Made in Portugal) | $2,395 | Dec 2020 |
Press release:
In 2019, the United States of America implemented tariffs of 25% on several European products including lenses that are made in Germany. These tariffs make Leica’s Made in Germany lenses significantly more expensive to USA customers. Through extensive efforts in our ongoing goals to support photographers and photo dealers, Leica Camera has made a large investment to establish a second production line in reaction to these global economic developments and market requirements.
With this new production line at Leica Camera’s state-of-the-art facility in Portugal, Leica has decided to offer USA consumers a choice to buy a selection of some of the most popular and essential Leica M-Lenses, stringent to the same quality and standards expected from Leica as our German-made products, Made in Portugal, at a much lower price than their Made in Germany counterparts. The price differential is a direct result of tariffs, and in no way indicative of quality standards. Leica Camera USA will now offer both Made in Germany and Made in Portugal lenses as part of our ongoing product offerings.
“We are committed to excellence and craftsmanship. As a result of the US Tariffs on Made in Germany products, we are offering select lenses made in our Portugal facility, delivering the pristine quality and service our customers expect from Leica.”
This selection of Made in Portugal lenses will only be available in the USA at prices that are not impacted by tariffs, with a scheduled release in stages as follows:
August 2020:
Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH., black – #11716
Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH., silver – #11717
Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH., black chrome – #11715September 2020:
Leica Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH., black – #11708
Leica Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 ASPH., silver – #11709
Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 silver – #11712December 2020:
Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH., black – #11707
Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 black – #11719
Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH., black – #11711
