| In the past five or so years, we've seen natural | | | | the whole line of Marto armors, often with |
| resources rise substantially as developing countries | | | | 30-40% increases. |
| (such as China and India) modernize and increase | | | | It doesn't get much better for Medioevo armors. |
| wealth. In the past year, the exchange rate | | | | Though the wholesale cost imported directly from |
| between the U.S. dollar and the Euro has changed | | | | the manufacturer has not changed substantially, |
| to favor the Euro. What does this mean for | | | | the exchange rate is killing the retailers and |
| imported items such as suits of armor? You | | | | distributors in the U.S. The cost to U.S. businesses |
| guessed it. | | | | is 1.5 times or more that of the Euro wholesale |
| Price increases galore. Here is some information | | | | price. You are likely to see similar percentage |
| about what armors will see price increases in the | | | | increases in a suit of armor for the retail prices in |
| coming months and which ones will stay low.The | | | | the U.S.The only suits of armor that are going to |
| suits of armor that are going to be hit the | | | | be immune from this is Indian made suits of |
| hardest are Marto of Spain products and | | | | armor. Though iron, brass, and wood have gone |
| Medioevo products, both from Spain and Italy | | | | up in price, armors can still be made cheaply in |
| respectively. The biggest price increase has been | | | | India. |
| seen in the Phillip II armor that is Floral Golden | | | | Though they do not have the quality of Spanish |
| Etched. Usually retailing for around $7500, retailers | | | | and Italian armors, prices are expected to hover |
| are lucky to get it for that price imported. Price | | | | anywhere from $1500-2500 for good quality suits |
| increases to around $11,000 are expected for this | | | | of armors, compared to $3000-11000 for |
| particular item. This one is one of the hardest hit | | | | European armors. When choosing your next suit |
| because of the gold (which gold is at an all time | | | | of armor for your collection, the higher prices for |
| high) and the increases prices of iron ore and | | | | premium armors will have to be taken into |
| other metals. Same increases are expected for | | | | consideration. |