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19 Aug 2025
The German photonics firm also indicates that its annual sales revenues are set to decline this year.
Jenoptik says that although it remains hopeful of a rebound in sales in the second half of 2025, its full-year revenues are now likely to decline from the 2024 total of €1.12 billion.
Attributing the current market uncertainty to the impact of new US trade tariffs on both direct customer demand and the wider global economy, the Germany-headquartered company has just posted sales of €498 million for the first half of the year.
Although that figure is nearly 8 per cent down on the opening half of 2024, the second quarter did show some positive development, with orders up strongly on the weak total posted for the March quarter.
Cost management ‘intensified’
CEO Stefan Traeger commented: “We saw a significant improvement in demand in our OEM businesses, which are focused on the semiconductor equipment and life science and medical technology sectors.
“However, order intake, revenue and earnings of the Group in the first half-year remained below the prior year's levels - as expected.
“We still assume that demand relevant to Jenoptik, particularly in the semiconductor equipment industry, will pick up in the second half of the year, but risks have increased due to existing and potential additional trade barriers. We are responding to these uncertainties and have further intensified our strict cost management.”
Jenoptik’s half-yearly figures showed that the company delivered sales of €255 million in the June quarter, down more than 10 per cent year-on-year.
That was largely due to a slump in demand from the semiconductor sector, and lithography applications in particular. On the plus side, order intake for biophotonics-related applications rose strongly, jumping by 46 per cent year-on-year to €68.4 million.
On the bottom line Jenoptik posted earnings before income and taxes (EBIT) of €22.7 million in the latest quarter, down 40 per cent on the same period last year.
Prodomax sale shelved
Jenoptik also blamed US trade tariffs for a decision to shelve the planned sale of its Canada-based Prodomax Automation subsidiary, which specializes in process automation for the automotive industry and was acquired for around €85 million back in 2018.
“The currently difficult situation in the North American automotive industry and the associated investment restraint, as well as the still uncertain tariff situation, have led the Executive Board to conclude that the sale of Prodomax is no longer feasible during the current strategy period, i.e., until the end of 2025,” announced the firm.
With half the year completed, Jenoptik’s executive team has concluded that annual revenues will most likely fall this year. Previously the firm had said sales could either rise or fall by as much as 5 per cent compared with the 2024 total, but it has now narrowed that outlook to the “lower half” of the original forecast.
“Demand relevant to Jenoptik, particularly in the semiconductor equipment industry, will pick up in the second half of the year, following a modest start,” stated the company.
“However, risks have increased due to ongoing discussions and announcements around tariffs and their potential impact, both on direct customer demand and on global economic growth for the years 2025 and 2026.”
Hamamatsu: US tariffs to be paid by customers
• Meanwhile Japan’s Hamamatsu Photonics has issued a notice confirming that it will be passing on the cost of new tariffs to its US-based customers. A message posted on the firm’s web site earlier this month and attributed to company president Earl Hergert stated:
“The latest news from the US Administration indicates that the applicable tariff fee for all goods produced in Japan will increase to 15% as of August 7, 2025. While Hamamatsu continues to stay abreast of all trade agreements, we will adjust applicable tariff fees as directed by the US Government.
“In preparation, effective August 11, 2025, Hamamatsu Corporation plans to adjust the applicable tariff fees on items originating from all countries of import. These fees are incorporated within the ‘Charges and Fees’ section at the bottom of the invoice, rather than listed as a separate line item, and will reflect the actual duties and tariffs assessed on the products sold at the time of shipment.
“Hamamatsu Corporation pays all required duties and tariffs at the time of import. To ensure transparency, these government-imposed costs are passed through to the customer with an adjustment to cover associated administrative and handling expenses.
“Our priority remains to minimize disruption to your supply chain and provide the information needed to support your planning and production efforts. If you have specific questions regarding products your company purchases, please contact your Hamamatsu sales representative.
“We sincerely appreciate your continued support and partnership as we adapt to these evolving trade regulations.”
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