(UPDATED 4/14/2025) President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Statement on Universal Tariffs:  

We continue to urge the administration to exempt musical instruments and accessories, along with materials used to manufacture musical products, from the tariffs announced in President Trump’s executive orders. The negative effects of these measures threaten the economic and cultural impact of U.S.-made musical instruments and accessories, as well as cause our U.S. music products industry to lose its global competitive advantage in producing high-quality products, especially at professional and entry levels. 

The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs announced last week via executive order (until July 9) is a welcomed measure, but the continued unpredictability of these tariff actions makes it difficult for companies to react in a meaningful way. The back-and-forth raising of tariffs between the U.S. and Chinese governments that we have witnessed this past week will have serious business implications and create consumer turmoil for the music products industry. The effects of these sudden and unpredictable tariff actions will have a long-term effect on musicians worldwide.  

In addition, last week NAMM sent a letter in support of U.S.-based acoustic stringed instrument manufacturers urging the U.S. Secretary of Commerce not to recommend additional tariffs on imported tonewoods. These tonewoods are often impossible to grow in the U.S., and they are used to create many iconic music products for American brands.  

NAMM will continue to monitor all tariff actions and advocate for our industry.