In today’s rapidly changing global economy, the location from which your business operates can significantly impact the cost of technology and other imported products. With shifting international tariffs, you could soon find yourself paying considerably more for items like specialist paging systems or wireless two-way radios—particularly if they’re manufactured or sourced from countries facing trade restrictions. Let’s take a closer look at how these changes might affect you and how choosing the right supplier can help mitigate rising costs.

Take Southern Ireland as an example. As a member of the EU, it is now subject to a 20% tariff imposed by the USA on goods exported from the EU. While this tariff technically applies to products entering the US, the knock-on effect is that suppliers and manufacturers may pass the cost down the supply chain—ultimately affecting businesses and consumers throughout the EU. Should the EU respond by imposing tariffs on imports from China as part of a negotiation strategy with the US, it could result in increased costs for Chinese goods throughout Europe. Sound unlikely? It’s not. In fact, it’s entirely plausible.

The EU, in its own words, actively uses tariffs to protect local industries. So, under the right political conditions, higher tariffs on Chinese goods could indeed be introduced. China would likely respond in kind, escalating costs further and creating more pressure on EU businesses and consumers alike.

Now consider Iceland. As with the UK, Iceland currently benefits from a more favourable 10% tariff on US imports. However, even here, costs can spiral if products originate from high-tariff countries like China. Many US-based companies, including those selling walkie-talkies or paging systems, manufacture components or entire products in China. As a result, importing these items into Europe can lead to substantial additional charges due to US-imposed tariffs on Chinese goods.

Let’s take the Apple iPhone as a familiar example. Apple sources components for its devices from at least 47 different countries. Due to varied tariffs—some as high as 125% or even 245%—the cost of an iPhone in the UK could rise by as much as £400 depending on where those components are manufactured. A similar cost increase could affect paging and communication systems that use Chinese-made components.

So, what’s the solution if your business needs walkie-talkies or a reliable paging system?

LRS (Long Range Systems) has been a trusted manufacturer of paging systems since 1993. While the company is headquartered in the US, its products are no longer made in China, unlike many of its competitors. This strategic decision means LRS products avoid the steep tariffs associated with Chinese manufacturing—tariffs that can range from 125% to 245% on some items imported into the US.

Thanks to UK initiatives such as the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, over 90% of imported goods are virtually tariff-free. This benefits UK-based businesses sourcing from LRS UK, where the impact of international tariffs is minimised significantly.

Many other paging system providers—regardless of where they are based—still import goods from countries affected by these rising tariffs. Consequently, their prices are likely to rise, even if the distribution point is within the UK or EU.

When you purchase from LRS UK, you benefit from a more stable and transparent pricing structure, reduced exposure to international tariff fluctuations, and long-term investment protection. LRS UK also offers a generous three-year warranty at no additional cost, underscoring their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

To explore their full range of paging systems and two-way radios, visit the LRS UK website or contact the team directly on +44 (0)1782 537000. They’re ready to offer expert advice and help you choose the right system without the worry of unpredictable tariff-related costs.