Summary of coverage by IQ Magazine – original article by James Hanley, 14 April 2025
The prospect of renewed US tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump is generating widespread concern across the live events and touring sectors, with many manufacturers and suppliers unsure of how to plan for the months ahead.
As reported by IQ Magazine, the US administration has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, with China responding with a 125% rate on US goods. While a 90-day pause on further hikes is in place, a baseline 10% tariff remains, and exemptions for some tech items appear to be temporary.
Peter Heath, Managing Director of PLASA, spoke to IQ from Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, where the issue was a dominant theme among international attendees.
“Clearly, the tariffs are unwelcome,” Peter said. “People are still having to wait before they can make firm decisions about how they run their businesses going into the future.”
Peter noted that manufacturers relying on complex, global supply chains are being forced to model the potential impact — assessing whether costs can be absorbed, spread across markets, or passed on to customers. For companies sourcing parts or manufacturing in China, the challenge is even greater.
Key concerns raised across the industry include:
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Rising costs for materials, production, and international freight.
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Possible restrictions on work visas and artist mobility, particularly for non-US acts touring the States.
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Economic uncertainty, with fears of reduced consumer spending on entertainment.
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Oversupply in Europe, should Chinese goods be redirected away from the US market.
Others quoted in the article — including representatives from touring, ticketing, and instrument manufacturing — echoed these concerns. Some noted that already-tight margins and post-Covid cost pressures could be pushed further by these global shifts.
As John Rostron of the UK’s Association of Independent Festivals points out, the picture is still evolving:
“What’s happening right now might not be happening next week.”
We encourage our members and readers to stay informed and keep in touch as the situation develops.
Read the full article by James Hanley on IQ Magazine’s website.
