NAMM has issued the oral testimony that will be delivered by NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 Committee in Washington, D.C., on May 8. Mlynczak’s oral testimony will deliver a powerful narrative on the impact of tariffs on American businesses, music education and consumers of musical instruments. This message enhances the case and data already provided in NAMM’s previously submitted written comments.
Read the full oral testimony that NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak will deliver here.
The USTR selected 151 associations and companies to provide in-person testimony to support the 811 written comments received. NAMM will be joining other well-established associations, such as Consumer Technology Association, Consumer Brands Association and United Auto Workers Association, to name a few.
In his testimony, Mlynczak will underscore the unintended consequences of current tariff policies on the U.S. music products industry, particularly as the current Administration considers additional actions under Section 301 authority. NAMM continues to advocate for evidence-based trade remedies that do not disproportionately harm American manufacturers, retailers and students.
“Tariffs are tilting the playing field against American businesses and the millions of students who rely on affordable access to musical instruments,” Mlynczak said. “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 submitted oral testimony on April 28 and will testify in the Section 301 excess capacity hearing on May 8, outlining the industry’s concerns and answering questions for the USTR Section 301 Committee. Following the hearings from May 5–8, USTR is expected to propose specific remedies, triggering a second public comment period. NAMM will remain actively engaged throughout the process and will notify members when the next opportunity to provide input opens.
In his remarks, Mlynczak will emphasize the size of the U.S. music products industry, how global supply chains for musical instruments rely on specialized materials and craftsmanship that cant’ be replicated domestically, how tariffs are increasing costs for American manufacturers while giving foreign competitors pricing advantages, how entry-level instruments are disproportionately affected, with imports of wind instruments down 27% and pianos down 20% in 2025, and more.
