GoPro Shifting Production to Guadalajara From China

GoPro remains "on track" to begin "ramping" its "U.S.-bound" action-camera production this quarter in Guadalajara, Mexico, as a proactive hedge against possible future Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, Chief Financial Officer Brian McGee said on a Q1 earnings call May 9. GoPro has no current exposure to the three rounds of tariffs imposed since July, but wanted protection anyway against new duties, he said. Guadalajara's production ramp will "support" U.S. sales beginning in Q3, McGee said. "We expect most of our U.S.-bound cameras will be in production in Mexico in the second half of 2019." GoPro's decision to shift production from China to Mexico for most cameras destined for U.S. import "supports our goal to insulate us against possible tariffs, as well as recognize some cost-saving and efficiencies," he said. GoPro says it's keeping production of non-U.S. cameras in China because it's an important strategic hub and the Chinese consumer market loves the product.