(UPDATED 5/12/2025) President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Statement on Universal Tariffs: 

The de-escalation of tariffs on products imported from China is a welcomed relief for our industry, as the previous 145-percent additional tariff was unsustainable, especially for small businesses. However, the 30-percent tariff on imports from China as well as the 10-percent tariff on imports from all other countries will continue to impact both manufacturers and retailers preparing for high-demand back-to-school and holiday seasons later this year. 

The removal of the de minimis exemption is a supported measure, as it allows our U.S.-based retailers to compete with online-only oversees brands at the same tariff rates.  

The 90-day pause on the retaliatory tariffs is helpful for immediate planning, but remaining uncertainty makes mid-term and long-term planning difficult for businesses. We support fair trade and would welcome a robust, long-term tariff strategy that provides clarity and stability for our industry to adapt and evolve as needed. 

We also recognize that U.S.-based manufacturing is very strong in the musical products industry, and we will continue to advocate for U.S.-manufacturers who rely on imported materials that are not available in the U.S.  We persist in our efforts to ensure that iconic Made in America brands can continue to compete in the United States and globally. Our advocacy efforts include submitting impact statements and comments on Section 232 investigations through the federal review process as well as working on global retaliatory tariff exceptions.  

NAMM maintains the position that the joy of making music is a universal human gift and does not present any national security risks, and therefore musical products should be exempt from tariffs.  We will continue to champion this message through any available avenue.