Portmeirion Group is accelerating its ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ initiative in response to the imposition of US import tariffs which caused ‘immediate disruption’ and ‘significant uncertainty’ in the company’s largest and most profitable market.
In a trading statement for the six months up to 30 June, the pottery firm reports a return to growth for group sales which are expected to be circa £37.1 million in the first half of this year – typically the quietest – up 1.3 per cent year-on-year.
The company, based in Stoke-on-Trent, says sales are up 2.8 per cent at constant currency and up 10.8 per cent excluding the USA where sales are down 10.6 per cent.
However, there are early signs that retailer confidence may be returning there.
The trading update reads: “In response to the imposition of US import tariffs, we have taken the opportunity to accelerate our UK on-shoring initiative Made in Stoke-on-Trent which was announced on 31st March 2025 and was scheduled to complete in 2027. The UK is a higher cost venue to manufacture, but this is a necessary investment of margin and will benefit our brands over the medium-long term, particularly in international markets.”
The initiative aims to increase the proportion of product supplied into the USA from the United Kingdom.
The update states UK tableware sales declined by 8.9 per cent during the period primarily due to the timing of an initial Spode new product launch order in the prior year and planned closure of a retail factory outlet.
But UK sales are up three per cent due to a strong performance from home fragrance brand Wax Lyrical.
In South Korea, sales are up 31.6 per cent recovering from 2024 and international sales – consisting of over 50 separate markets excluding USA, UK and South Korea, are up 11.2 per cent drive by new distributors in key growth target markets and a ‘strong pipeline of product innovation.’
Chief Executive Mike Raybould said: “The imposition of additional import tariffs in the USA at the beginning of Q2 caused immediate disruption and significant uncertainty in our largest and most profitable market.
“We have proactively implemented a number of actions in response to these challenges and will continue to monitor the situation closely, remaining sensitive to the wider macro/ political uncertainty and its influence on consumer confidence.
“We progress against our 2025/26 strategic priorities which will drive a transformation of our business – our International and South Korean markets are back in growth, and the UK has seen an impressive performance from Wax Lyrical which continues to take market share.”
