Glasses maker Inspecs has warned US tariffs have “heavily impacted” its Chinese factory and prompted many retailers to delay orders, as it reported a dip in sales.

The global eyewear business based in Bath, Somerset, said it had “experienced first-hand” the effects of trade disruption and weaker consumer confidence.

Donald Trump’s tariff hikes have been affecting manufacturing exports from China to the US, Inspecs told investors.

A considerable proportion of its retail customers were delaying orders while they wait for more certainty on trade policy.

Much steeper levies on Chinese exports to the US are currently on pause after the two countries agreed to extend a tariff truce until November.

It means US tariffs on Chinese goods are currently capped at 30%, while Chinese levies on US exports are held at 10%.

Inspecs, which sells its products in about 75,000 retailers, also said the first half of 2025 had been particularly challenging for its low-vision business in the US.

It blamed tariffs for increasing product costs, and in turn leading to some customers delaying purchasing decisions.

The company also pointed to government spending cuts affecting the low-vision division “owing to the changing political landscape”, which was contributing to slower demand and sales.

Sales totalled £97.6 million in the first six months of the year, down slightly on the £100.6 million generated last year.

It reported a pre-tax profit of £2.4 million for the half-year, down from £2.6 million the year before.

Nevertheless, the firm highlighted the launch of the Tom Tailor glasses brand in July, with initial sales ahead of target, as well as singer Gwen Stefani’s eyewear collection LAMB launching a new website.

Inspecs said it was cutting its operating costs to help mitigate the effect of declining sales.

Chief executive Richard Peck said: “As a global eyewear business, we have experienced first-hand the widely-reported macro-challenges, including ongoing tariff disruption and subdued consumer confidence.

“As a result, group sales in the first half are slightly behind last year.”

But the boss added that he was “encouraged by the achievements that have been within our control” including initiatives to make the business more efficient.

He said there was a “reasonable expectation” of the group meeting its full-year financial outlook.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold prices and silver prices continue to exhibit a bullish trend, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:

MCX GOLD Price Outlook

MCX Gold continues to remain on a bullish trajectory, despite witnessing some correction ahead of the recent Federal Reserve meeting. The pullback was more of a profit-booking phase rather than a trend reversal, as the broader sentiment for gold still favors the upside. Currently, gold prices have approached a very crucial support zone around ₹1,09,000 levels, which is likely to act as a strong floor for the metal. As long as prices sustain above this level, the overall structure remains positive, keeping buyers in control.The resilience of gold at this support indicates that market participants are still positioning themselves for higher levels. Key drivers such as global uncertainty, demand for safe-haven assets, and expectations of interest rate policies continue to lend strength to the metal. Technically, holding above the support opens the possibility of a move towards ₹1,11,000 levels in the near term. A decisive breakout above this level may further extend the bullish momentum.On the downside, a breach below ₹1,09,000 could invite fresh selling pressure, but until that occurs, the outlook stays constructive. Traders and investors are advised to remain cautiously optimistic, with a focus on buying at dips near the support zone.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook

MCX Silver witnessed a healthy correction from ₹1,30,000 to ₹1,26,000 levels ahead of the recent Federal Reserve meeting, as traders preferred to book profits and stay cautious before the policy outcome. However, this decline appears more like a short-term retracement rather than a reversal in trend. The broader structure of silver continues to remain positive, supported by robust industrial demand, safe-haven buying, and global cues that favor precious metals in the medium term.Currently, silver is finding strong support near ₹1,25,000 levels, which is expected to act as a cushion against further downside. As long as prices sustain above this zone, the bias remains firmly upward. On the higher side, silver has the potential to rebound towards ₹1,29,000 levels, a zone that may act as immediate resistance. A sustained move above ₹1,29,000 could even pave the way for retesting the ₹1,30,000 levels once again.From a technical perspective, dips towards support are being viewed as fresh buying opportunities by traders, indicating continued bullish sentiment. On the flip side, a break below ₹1,25,000 may invite additional weakness. Until then, the outlook remains constructive, and investors may consider a buy-on-dips strategy.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)