Bill Rogers just posted this over on the Banjo Hangout.
“The Washington Post reports that the incoming Trump administration is promising “historic tariff hikes,” including 60% on goods from China. This would have a very significant effect on the banjo market, with so many parts and instruments coming from overseas, notably China. Were I a purveyor of RK, Gold Tone and other Chinese-made banjos, I would be trying to get all the inventory I could as quickly as possible. Who knows what tariffs would do to the cost of European parts, notably from Prucha. All stringed instruments are likely to see huge price increasses when (and if?) the Trump tariffs go intro effect. Everything imported will cost more. Whether that will help American makers remains to be seen. If you’re contemplating buying a Chinese-made instrument, I’d get to it sooner rather than later.”
