#United States #Washington, D.C. #NAMM #John Mlynczak #USTR

NAMM's CEO to Testify on Global Tariffs Impacting the Music Products Industry

On May 8, 2026, John Mlynczak, the President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), will present oral testimony before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 Committee in Washington, D.C. This important session will focus on the effects of global tariffs on the music products industry, addressing significant concerns for American businesses, music education stakeholders, and consumers.

The Role of NAMM in Addressing Tariffs

NAMM, a prominent trade organization representing over 10,000 members involved in the music industry, will be one of the select groups to deliver in-person testimony. The organization was chosen from a pool of 151 associations and companies contributing to the USTR's ongoing investigation, which has already generated over 811 written comments.

Mlynczak's testimony will highlight the unintended consequences of the current tariff policies, particularly as they affect access to musical instruments for millions of American students and the broader music products industry. He aims to make a compelling case for evidence-based approaches that ensure trade actions do not disproportionately burden American manufacturers and retailers.

“Tariffs are tilting the playing field against American businesses and the millions of students who rely on affordable access to musical instruments,” said Mlynczak. “Our industry depends on a global supply chain built over generations. Policies that increase costs without expanding domestic capacity ultimately reduce participation in music education and weaken long-term U.S. competitiveness.”

NAMM's Advocacy for Fair Trade

Tariffs have led to increased costs for American manufacturers, creating a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors. This is of particular concern in the entry-level instrument market, which is crucial for fostering music education. In 2025, there was a notable demand drop for imports of wind instruments, which declined by 27%, and pianos by 20%.

Such reductions in access to beginner instruments pose a serious threat to the training and resources for aspiring musicians. This not only hinders the pipeline necessary to produce U.S.-made professional instruments but also has broader implications for the nation's cultural and economic vitality.

Mlynczak’s remarks during the testimony will underline several key points:

• - The U.S. music products industry is a significant portion of the $19.5 billion global market, with NAMM representing over 10,000 companies.
• - Global supply chains are dependent on specific materials and craftsmanship that cannot be duplicated domestically, highlighting the pressing need for open trade policies.
• - Continued tariffs could severely limit access to essential musical instruments for educational purposes, which is ultimately detrimental to the industry’s future.

Position on Section 301 Investigations

Recently, the USTR has indicated that it might reinstate previous tariff levels on imports from 16 countries based on structural excess capacity. In response, NAMM submitted formal comments urging the USTR to ensure that any measures considered do not cause collateral damage to the music industry, which heavily relies on international trade.

NAMM also highlighted the need for an exclusion process for musical instruments under the 92 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). By advocating for such provisions, NAMM is working diligently to prevent actions that would harm students and communities reliant on music education.

Moving Forward

Following the hearings from May 5 to 8, the USTR is expected to propose specific remedies, leading to another round of public comments. NAMM remains committed to engaging members and ensuring that the voices of music educators, students, and businesses are heard and taken into account throughout this critical process.

In conclusion, Mlynczak is requesting that policymakers consider trade actions that foster rather than hinder the growth and sustainability of the music industry, which is an essential part of America’s cultural landscape. Through this testimony, NAMM hopes to amplify the industry's concerns and contribute positively to future trade negotiations.

For further updates about NAMM's advocacy efforts and initiatives, visit www.namm.org.