Strong Lumen Featured on Phoenix TV

Phoenix TV Exclusive: Strong Lumen’s Lighting Export Journey Amid Tariff Changes

Shenzhen, China – In April 2025, the U.S. announced tariffs of up to 145% on certain Chinese lighting products, sending shockwaves through the industry. Phoenix TV recently visited Strong Lumen Opto Co., Ltd.’s showroom and production lines for an exclusive interview with Chairman Mr. Chen, focusing on best-selling products, tariff impacts, coping strategies, and global expansion.

“Tariffs put us under real pressure,” Mr. Chen admitted, “but we can’t wait and we can’t retreat. The market moves fast — we have to move faster.”

Best-Selling Products and Market Edge

Before the tariff hike, Strong Lumen’s top sellers in the U.S. were high-efficiency LED tubes, panel lights, and high bay lights.
“Take our high bay lights,” Mr. Chen explained. “They sell for about $60 to $75 in the U.S., depending on wattage and specs. Our advantage is clear — higher efficiency, smart control, and full UL/DLC certification.”

He stressed that the appeal goes beyond energy savings: “With our lights, customers not only cut electricity costs but can also apply for U.S. government energy rebates. That’s a double benefit.”

Tariff Impact and Response Strategy

After the April announcement, U.S. sales plummeted, most orders were paused, and customers shifted toward budget-friendly LED tubes and economy high bays.
“Almost overnight, several ongoing projects were put on hold,” Mr. Chen recalled. “Clients’ first instinct was to find cheaper alternatives — and that’s just the reality.”

The company responded with three key moves:

• Streamlining Models – Reduced the number of SKUs exported to the U.S., focusing on core products like LED tubes and high bays.

• Cost Reduction – Bulk procurement and scaling up production to lower material and labor costs.

• New Product Development – Launching higher value-added products that are less price-sensitive.

“We can’t burn ourselves out in a price war,” he said firmly. “If our technology and differentiation are stronger, customers will pay for value.”

Tariff Drop and Market Recovery

Recently, tariffs were reduced to 30%, prompting some long-term clients to resume purchasing and driving a rebound in orders.
“In the last two weeks, you can feel the mood improving. Several big distributors who were waiting on the sidelines have come back,” Mr. Chen said.

Still, he remains cautious: “A 30% tariff is still a heavy burden. Many clients don’t have the profit margins to absorb it. We’re helping them re-evaluate pricing and optimize product mixes to deliver stronger value.”

Global Volatility and Long-Term Planning

Reflecting on past disruptions — the 2020 supply chain breakdown and the 2023 “friend-shoring” wave — Mr. Chen said they reinforced the danger of relying on a single export market.

Strong Lumen has since invested in warehouses and production facilities in Europe to ensure stable overseas supply. “We won’t give up on the U.S., but we’ll push Europe and domestic markets at the same time to keep our total revenue steady,” he added.

Conclusion

When it comes to tariff volatility, Mr. Chen’s stance is clear and direct: “We won’t abandon the U.S., but we won’t depend on one market either. Tariffs are a challenge, not the deciding factor. As long as our product quality and service stay strong, we can overcome them.”