Image of hard-shell tacos; photo CC-BY Karl-Martin Skontorp

Taco Tuesday: reason to be cautiously optimistic about tariff relief

Trump’s unprecedented tariffs are starting to hit reality following a Supreme Court defeat over the weekend. Music gear consumers shouldn’t expect any immediate cost relief. But while the picture is complicated and the major problems remains the chaos Trump is causing, there are some hopeful indications for makers and musicians both inside and outside the USA in the longer term.

USA tariffs update: Bandcamp and Discogs issue warnings, more

Bandcamp and Discogs are issuing warnings. Those involved in media are pointing out that US Presidential authority doesn’t apply to items like CDs and vinyl, publications, and other media. And Bandcamp is even offering sellers the chance to disable sales to the USA. The Trump Administration-induced trade chaos continues.

Peter Kirn - August 29, 2025

“The Webb Ellis Cup completes visit to Dubai as part of Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour” by Land Rover MENA, CC BY 2.0

Trump tariffs bring chaos, as shipments halted from Europe, Asia

The Trump administration’s trade policies do more than increase costs for US consumers. Their historic scale and disorganized rollout are causing global disruptions. That hurts independent music gear makers and label owners. It’s also ironically likely to cripple manufacturers trying to work in the USA. The only (sort of) good news: shippers and exporters are trying to find solutions, and at least some of the disruptions should be temporary. But those solutions won’t come free.

Peter Kirn - August 25, 2025