How Trump Policies, Trade Wars and Tariffs impact Live Music

President Trump’s policies, trade wars and tariffs impact live music and the live music industry.

While the President paused some of the stiffest tariffs Wednesday, even at 10% his tariffs, trade wars and policies are already having a ripple effect, increasing costs throughout the live music ecosystem and potentially reducing consumer demand.

How Trump Policies, Trade Wars and Tariffs impact Live Music

Here’s a breakdown of key areas of concern:

Increased Costs

Musical Instruments and Equipment

• Many instruments and essential gear are imported. Tariffs would drive up prices for items like guitars, drums, amplifiers, and sound equipment.  
• This disproportionately affects independent artists and smaller venues with limited budgets.
• Even domestically produced equipment may be affected due to reliance on imported components.

Touring Expenses & Visas

• Increased costs for fuel, transportation, and accommodations would make touring more expensive, especially for international acts.
• Potential retaliatory tariffs could lead to higher visa costs and restrictions on merchandise sales in foreign countries.
• While not directly tariff related, cuts to government staffing and Trump’s policies on immigration seem likely to lead to delays in visas applications for overseas artists [FKA Twigs cancels US tour, Coachella due to Visa problems] as well as more choosing not perform in the U.S. at all.

Venue and Festival Costs

• Higher equipment and production costs could result in increased ticket prices for concerts and festivals.
• Festivals featuring international artists might face increased expenses and problems with Visas, leading to smaller lineups or higher ticket prices.

Merchandise

• Tariffs on imported merchandise like T-shirts, vinyl records, and posters could reduce artists’ profit margins.

Economic Uncertainty and Reduced Spending

Consumer Spending

• Tariffs could lead to higher prices for various goods, potentially reducing consumer spending on entertainment, including live music events.
• An economic downturn caused by trade tensions could further decrease discretionary spending on concerts and festivals.

Sponsorships

• Economic uncertainty could reduce sponsorship opportunities for music festivals and events.

Impacts on the Industry

Independent Artists

• The increased cost of equipment and touring could place a heavy burden on independent artists, hindering their ability to perform live.

Independent Venues & Festivals

• Smaller venues may struggle to absorb increased costs, potentially leading to closures.

International Collaboration

• Increased trade tensions could make it more difficult for artists to collaborate and tour internationally, limiting cultural exchange.

MORE: Trump has music industry worried as new term begins

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of the Skyline Artists Agency