Essiloruxotica considers to relocate Asia's production to the US. In the midst of changes in commercial policy

Essiloruxotica, the Franco-Toitalia glasses manufacturer behind brands such as Ray-Ban, can transfer part of its production to the United States in response to US tariffs, said CEO Francesco Milleri on Wednesday.

“We will not hurry a decision,” Milleri told a group of shareholders of the group in Paris, and added that “in three or four months the situation could be clearer.”

This month, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, in a surprising reversal, said he would temporarily reduce the strong tariffs previously imposed on dozens of countries.

“When the situation stabilizes, we will understand what type of manufacture we can move to the US. Because it is not only a matter of time and investment, but to find [workers with] The correct capabilities, ”said Milleri, added that for this reason, the production based in Italy and France cannot move.

“We can really think about moving from Thailand and Mexico. But we don't want to move too early,” he added.

The group already directs several manufacturing sites in the United States.

Milleri also confirmed that the company is actively exploring acquisition opportunities. “M&A is in our company's DNA. We have many files on the table: small, medium and large companies. We need to add many more competitions and technologies to our portfolio,” he said.

He added that he is confident that Essiloruxotica will be able to finish some strong offers this year and next.

Looking towards the future, Milleri said the group is willing to reinforce their chips design capabilities, expand in the treatment and care of eye diseases and invest in artificial intelligence services.

Fashion Network with Reuters