Brass instruments could soon become more expensive as the U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed a 25% tariff on brass-wind musical instruments, parts, and accessories. Brass-wind instruments are among 14 categories of products being considered for Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper.I take this story personally, as I'm a brass player, having started off on French horn in middle school, switched to tuba in high school, which I also played in college and as an alumnus, and played baritone and contrabass bugle in drum corps, all brass instruments. Unless one thinks the brass instruments in military bands count, I don't consider brass instruments to be a national security issue. Also, it's not as if there is a lot of domestic production of brass instruments to protect, as WJHL mentions in 25% tariff proposal on brass instruments could spike costs for band students.
The U.S. Department of Commerce proposed a 25% tariff on imported brass-wind instruments, drawing negative feedback from local band programs and instrument shops.U.S. instrument companies have offshored a lot of their production. Maybe these tariffs will bring some instrument manufacturing back to the U.S., but that will take a while. Tariffs will hurt music students now.
While this is serious business, it definitely seems a bit silly, so I'm closing with Trombones Are a "National Security Threat" Now | 84 Days | Paula Poundstone.
The administration declared brass instruments a national security threat. Paula Poundstone has a simpler idea. Today's thing: call your Representative and demand Trump be impeached. 84 days to November 3rd.HAHAHAHAHA! But seriously, Congress has impeached Donald "Pervert Hoover" Trump twice. Without convicting and removing him, it won't do any good. There aren't the votes to do any of that right now. It would be better to comment against this proposed tariff by August 27th and work to elect Democrats and independents who would provide majorities to impeach and convict Trump and his Cabinet officers next year.
That's a wrap for today. Stay tuned for World Mosquito Day.
It's bad enough that the bulk of instrument manufacturing has moved overseas (often with severe quality issues), but to heap a tariff on of this is... well, it's un-American.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is in the market for a new brass instrument, a lot of the more established sellers saw this coming and stocked up. Decent deals can still be had -- for now.
For more info on this topic see reddit /r/{myfavoritehorn}
Yes, insult added to injury. This issue is personal to you, too.
DeleteAs you wrote, at least the instrument sellers prepared for this. It surprised me, but probably shouldn't have.