(Photo courtesy of CNN)
The dream of owning a Birkin just got even further out of reach.
Hermès, the ultra-luxury name behind some of the most coveted bags in the world, is planning to raise prices across the U.S. in response to President Trump’s tariffs — meaning those already steep tags are about to climb even higher.
Hermès Is Pushing Prices Again as Trump Tariffs Take Effect
(Photo courtesy of @hermes)
Hermès enthusiasts need to brace for a price hike soon. Following a report of lower-than-expected sales in Q1 2025, the luxury brand is set to increase prices across the board in the U.S., a move aimed at balancing out the impact of Donald Trump's latest tariffs.
The brand’s premium clutches, which begin at around $20,000 and can soar into the six-figure range, could see an approximate $2,000 spike due to the current 10% tariff on European Union goods.
The luxury fashion house, which still produces the bulk of its goods in France, has not detailed the exact price increase, but according to Eric du Halgouet, Hermès’ Executive Vice President of Finance, it will be sufficient to counteract any potential growth setbacks due to the Trump tax.
“We are going to fully offset the impact of these new duties by increasing our selling prices in the United States from May 1, across all our business lines,” explained Eric du Halgouet.
It’s not the first price hit Hermès has handed out this year. The Paris-based fashion company had already flagged potential tariff-driven increases and followed through with a roughly 6% hike earlier in the year. This adjustment aligns with their annual tradition of tweaking prices to keep their high-end leather goods exclusive.
Trump's original plan called for a 20% duty on the 27-member bloc, but later revised it to 10% for a 90-day negotiation window.
Hermès’ decision to roll out the price hikes comes just after reporting softer-than-usual U.S. sales in the first quarter, notably before Trump’s tariffs even took effect on April 3.
During an earnings call, du Halgouet said that the brand remains “very conservative” despite not having seen “any impact.” Hermès reported that total first-quarter sales rose by 7.2% after adjusting for currency fluctuations, a figure that falls short of the 18% growth recorded in the previous quarter.
As the luxury market feels the impact of geopolitical shifts and changing consumer habits, Hermès’ decision to adjust prices shows a clear focus on staying profitable amid complex global trade dynamics — even if it stings a bit for loyal fans.
The Luxury Slowdown Hit Hard — But Hermès Didn’t Flinch
(Photo courtesy of @hermes)
Hermès is upping prices just as the luxury scene is dealing with a serious cool-off.
The high-end sector is grappling with a spending slowdown that began last year, with no clear end in sight. With post-pandemic fatigue setting in, a shaky global economy, rising inflation, and China’s real estate meltdown dragging things down, even big spenders are hitting pause. And since China remains a key market for high-end labels, the ripple effect is hard to ignore.
Despite the slowdown, Forbes reports that Hermès is still ahead of the game. The brand’s strategy leans into a lifestyle of understated elegance, which earns not just a purchase but real loyalty.
Where other brands focus on selling one hero item, Hermès fans are building entire wardrobes and homes with the brand — everything from handbags, shoes, and ready-to-wear to hats, gloves, fragrances, watches, and fine jewelry.
The truth is, many fashion labels don’t make their money off clothes; they use fashion as bait to sell higher-margin accessories. That strategy works until the market dips.
In their pursuit of celebrating past triumphs, luxury fashion houses today risk neglecting the groundbreaking creativity of their founding designers, whose visionary and wearable designs once set the trends. This play-it-safe mindset could leave them flat-footed in a rapidly evolving market.
On the other hand, Hermès — with its well-balanced brand ecosystem — is better equipped to ride out the slowdown than most of its peers.
Second-Hand Hermès Is a Stylish Plan B Amid Price Hikes
(Photo courtesy of @hermes)
With Hermès prices on the rise and some loyal fans feeling the pinch, the second-hand market is stepping in as the unexpected hero. You can still score 100% authentic, pre-owned Hermès pieces in top condition, all for a fraction of the original price. Sounds like a steal? That’s because it is.
At ZenLuxe, you can explore a virtually endless, curated collection of genuine Hermès handbags and more, letting you enjoy French luxury without paying full retail.
Whether you're dreaming of a Birkin bag, handcrafted from fine leather and named after the iconic English-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, or you're eyeing other classic handbags, elegant clothing, stylish shoes, or exquisite jewelry, you can easily acquire these pre-loved treasures at exclusive discounts via ZenLuxe.
It’s your moment to shop smart, score big, and finally say goodbye to wishful thinking. When you’re ready, hit that magic 'order' button, then sit back while the ZenLuxe team carefully packs your items and sends them straight to your doorstep.
A bonus of shopping pre-owned Hermès: The brand’s entire success model is built on scarcity, exceptional craftsmanship, and a firm stand against mass production — so you know you're investing in something built to be worn with pride, held close, and passed on when the time feels right.
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
