August 28, 2026 Tariff & Trade Webinar
Guest Speakers
Ashley Amidon, CEO, International Wood Products Association
Chris Cushing, Government Relations Group Leader, Managing Principal, Washington, D.C.
Cullen Hendrix, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute of International Economics
Dan Anthony, President of Trade Partnership Worldwide / We Pay the Tariffs
Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade Consumer Technology Association, producer of CES®
Moderator
Claire Kreger-Boaz, NAMM Associate Director of Public Policy
Summary
This NAMM trade policy webinar covered several developments affecting the music products industry.
On Section 232 brass wind instrument tariffs, NAMM's joint campaign with NAfME and League of American Orchestras generated roughly 1,000 public comments opposing inclusion of brass/wind instruments, parts and accessories in the copper/aluminum/steel investigation.
On Canada, new 50% Section 338 tariffs on ~$20B of goods took effect, met by Canadian retaliation (September 8) and threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian autos starting January 1.
Trade data showed cautiously positive signs: overall musical instrument tariff rates fell from a 19% peak to ~13%, with June imports up 14.2% year-over-year (strings +40%, winds +30%), though piano imports kept declining, possibly reflecting consumer pullback on big-ticket purchases amid tariff uncertainty.
Panelists previewed an anticipated Section 301 "excess capacity" action on China tied to a September 24 presidential visit, a pending hardwood tariff report, and semiconductor tariffs. The session closed urging continued advocacy with Congress ahead of midterms.
What Members Can Do
Engage with elected representatives: tell your impact story
Emphasize impact on music education and cultural programs
Document job losses and business closures in districts
Highlight how tariffs affect American manufacturers using imported components
Connect to broader workforce development and cultural vitality arguments
Know where you stand: evaluate supply chain