Proposed Tariff on Brass-Wind Instruments

What It Could Mean for Music Education and How to Take Action 

By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy

As music education advocates, we know that affordable access to musical instruments is essential to broad participation in music programs. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed adding brass-wind musical instruments, parts, and accessories to the products subject to a 25% Section 232 tariff on steel, aluminum, and copper derivative products. If the proposal takes effect, it could raise the already-high cost of purchasing, repairing, and maintaining instruments used by school music programs nationwide.

The proposal follows President Trump’s April 2 Proclamation 11021, Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States. The proclamation authorized the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to add certain derivative articles to the scope of these tariffs when they jointly determine that imports threaten to impair national security. 

Why This Matters for Music Education

The proposed tariff would affect the cost of brass-wind instruments ranging from trumpets and trombones to tubas and French horns, as well as the parts and accessories needed to maintain them. At a time when many school music programs are already navigating budget constraints, any additional expenses could make it more difficult to provide students with access to the instruments they need for a high-quality music education. 

The impact would also extend to families, particularly when students rely on their own instruments or when school programs have limited resources to provide them. Music education is a core part of a well-rounded education, and we should be finding ways to remove, not intensify, the barriers to participation disproportionately affecting low-income students and communities. 

Music education advocates have an opportunity to share their firsthand experiences and help policymakers understand how increased costs could affect their students and programs. 

Take Action: Submit a Public Comment No Later Than August 27

The most direct way to make your voice heard is to submit a public comment to the U.S. Department of Commerce by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 27, 2026. 

Comments from music education advocates can provide important firsthand information about how a proposed 25% tariff on brass-wind instruments could affect instrument purchases and maintenance, and, ultimately, student access and entire music programs. You do not need to be a policy expert to participate. Your experience with music education and your understanding of the challenges facing music programs are valuable.  

This opportunity for public input has been provided to help inform the decision-making process and final determinations, so it’s vital for music educators and advocates to weigh in before the proposal becomes final. 

Consider sharing specific information such as:  

• Your background and current role 
• How many students in your program play brass instruments 
• How often your program purchases, repairs, or replaces instruments 
• How existing budget constraints affect instrument purchases and maintenance 
• How increased costs could affect students and families in your community
• Concrete examples can help illustrate what additional costs could mean for your program in the long run, rather than simply stating that a tariff would increase costs. 

How to Submit Your Comment

Although filing a public comment involves a few steps, we strongly encourage you to participate, as your perspective can help the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security understand the potential impact of the proposed tariff. 

Below are some tips for submission:

• Submit comments for this specific notice through the Federal Rulemaking Portal. 
• At the top of your comment, include Docket No. 260803-0182 and XRIN 0694-XC166, along with your full name, title, and contact information.  
• Address your letter to: 

Jessica Curyto
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Security
Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20230 

• If you upload a file through the portal, name it after the person or entity submitting the comment. Individual submissions should be clearly marked “PUBLIC,” and the file name should begin with “P.” Comments submitted through Regulations.gov may be made publicly available.
  • Example file name: P_NAFME_ XRIN 0694-XC166.PDF

In your comments, clearly state that you oppose the inclusion of brass-wind instruments and their parts and accessories under the proposed Section 232 duties on aluminum, copper, and steel and reference HTSUS 9205.10.0040 (brass-wind instruments, if valued under $10) and HTSUS 9205.10.0080 (brass-wind instruments, if valued over $10). 

Briefly introduce yourself, including your role and organization, and explain how the proposed tariff could impact your music program. Specific examples from your own experience can help demonstrate the potential impact on students, educators, and your community. 

Be sure to submit your comment by 11:59 PM ET on August 27, 2026. Comments submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed. 

Contact Your Members of Congress

In addition to submitting a public comment, you can contact your members of Congress to share your concerns about the proposed tariff. Explain how increased costs could affect your school, district, students, and community, particularly if you are a constituent of a lawmaker who has been supportive of music education or the music products industry. Use our advocacy campaign to easily customize a message and contact your members of Congress.  

Learn More about Tariffs and Trade

As advocates, one of the most important tools we can arm ourselves with is knowledge. To learn more about the tariffs, register for our partners at the National Association for Music Merchants’ (NAMM) upcoming monthly tariff and trade webinar at 1 PM ET/4 PM PT on August 28. Read additional information on NAMM’s “Tariffs Explained” webpage. 

Whether you submit a public comment, contact your members of Congress, or both, your voice can help policymakers understand what this proposal could mean for music education. We encourage you to take action and share your perspective before the August 27 deadline. 

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