US music shops hit by highest tariffs since Great Depression

Business Aug 13, 2025

Music stores across the US are feeling the squeeze as tariffs on imported instruments have jumped to an average of 18.6%—the highest since 1933.
Shops that rely on gear from Europe and China are struggling, since there aren't many American-made options.

Local suppliers can't keep up with demand

Trent Austin of Austin Custom Brass shared that some German instruments he imports now cost $1,000 instead of $150, forcing him to raise prices for the first time in 2 1/2 years.
While he's trying to find local suppliers, options are limited.
Mike Meyer from Meyer Music says rental businesses have a bit of a buffer, but if costs keep climbing, even they might need to look to the used market, as Meyer suggested.