Saxophones How will Tariffs affect Sax Prices?

[Dr G]

Looking at the change in price of a Jupiter bari is not as exiting as looking at soaking ramen.

Day before new tariffs start juli 31

JBS 1000 Jupiter bariton prices in $ (1.1453 exchange rate Reuters)

Thomann nl $4.253
Sweetwater us $6.579

7-10-2025

JBS 1000 Jupiter bariton prices in $ (1.1639 exchange rate Reuters)

Thomann nl $4.304
Sweetwater us $6.579

The only thing that changed was the exchange rate. Still $51.

Wait a bit until Sweetwater has to dip into stock that arrives after the tariffs are imposed. If you don’t see an increase in the short run, it’s likely because they have sufficient stock already in the inventory to meet demand.

 

[Jimmymack]

See above and #339. October will probably be when the excitement starts.

 

[rhysonsax]

See above and #339. October will probably be when the excitement starts.

Because things are quiet and dull now .....

Rhys

 

[Jimmymack]

We're talking about the price of saxophones here.

 

[Ghr9204]

Some of the dust has yet to settle with regard to say, US tariffs on Chinese woodwinds. The following article:

Tariffs on Music

How are all the tariffs going to impact musical gear that you love? Read through Dave Kessler's breakdown of the tariffs on the Woodwind & Brasswind musical industry.

kesslerandsons.com

From the article:
See on August 12th, the original “reciprocal tariff” of 34% would replace the current April 10% pause rate. So while the 7.5% 2019 tariff and the 20% “fentanyl” rate from Feb/March would stay in effect, the new rate at 34% would bring a lower 24% increase instead of the 25% increase. The downside is that this is not a “deal” and as such, the instability remains.

Woodwind Instruments:
April 9th: 4.9% + Made in China 152.5% = 157.4% Total Tariff
Current: May 12th: 4.9% + Made in China 37.5% = 42.4% Total Tariff
August 12 Rates: 4.9% + Made in China 61.5% = 66.4% Total Tariff
Proposed Framework Rates: 4.9% + Made in China 62.5% = 67.4% Total Tariff

This has 2 more days to settle before the proposed August 12 new tariffs were to take effect. The lack of additional information or "infotainment" I like to call it is probably why it has been all quiet on the Café Front.

My high school social studies teacher used to tell us, "If you believe only 50% of what you read and none of what you hear or see (radio and television), you'll be closer to the truth." I've come to learn he was spot on.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Breaking news: tariffs from August 29 apply on low cost items below the previous de minimus $800 threshold.

Somebody please tell me I'm wrong.

 

[Jimmymack]

Nobody should be surprised. And it may change tomorrow anyway.

 

[Targa]

Breaking news: tariffs from August 29 apply on low cost items below the previous de minimus $800 threshold.

Somebody please tell me I'm wrong.

Isn't that what a wife's for?

 

[Tuppertn]

Breaking news: tariffs from August 29 apply on low cost items below the previous de minimus $800 threshold.

Somebody please tell me I'm wrong.

Correct. No more de minimus exemption. Tax everything.

Probably trying to catch all the cheap, disposable Chinese goods from places like Temu and Shein.

 

[Jimmymack]

I think it's businesses like them that are the main drivers for this. They have exploited the loophole to the max, selling rubbish, now others will suffer as a consequence.

 

[Ghr9204]

I think it's businesses like them that are the main drivers for this. They have exploited the loophole to the max, selling rubbish, now others will suffer as a consequence.

Obviously people wanted their stuff, else they would have no customers. I've never bought from them, because many things seemed too good to be true. Instead I went to more reputable venues. Now with the tariffs, some may be surprised how much more they end up paying at the post offices and other deliverer's offices.

 

[Jimmymack]

The price of landfill goes up shock. Here's some detail as it relates to the UK and ways around it for some people.

Shock at sudden end of US de minimis

Shock at sudden end of US de minimis

www.innovationintextiles.com

 

[Woodpad]

Nothing happened, just ignore this.

Day before new tariffs start juli 31

JBS 1000 Jupiter bariton prices in $ (1.1453 exchange rate Reuters)

Thomann nl $4.253
Sweetwater us $6.579

8-10-2025

JBS 1000 Jupiter bariton prices in $ (1.1639 exchange rate Reuters)

Thomann nl $4.304
Sweetwater us $6.579

8-17-2025

JBS 1000 Jupiter bariton prices in $ (1.1702exchange rate Reuters)

Thomann nl $4.327
Sweetwater us $6.579

The only thing that changed was the exchange rate. Still $74..

 

[Ivan]

The only thing that changed was the exchange rate. Still $74..

There remains the idea that old stock will sell at the old price and new stock, imported when subject to tariffs, will sell at an elevated price

Some patience is required to see what effect tariffs will/won't have

 

[Tuppertn]

Old stock will sell for the new price as soon as they figure out what that might be.

 

[Dr G]

Old stock will sell for the new price as soon as they figure out what that might be.

Price gouging at its finest.

 

[Dr G]

Royal Mail and DHL halt some US deliveries over tariffs

Services including Royal Mail and DHL say they are suspending deliveries until they have proper systems in place.

www.bbc.com

Postal services around the world are pausing some deliveries to the US over confusion around new import taxes that must be paid on parcels from the end of the month.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month ending the global import tax exemption on low-value parcels, which takes effect from 29 August.

While gifts worth less than $100 will remain duty-free, the changes mean all other packages will face the same tariff rate as other goods from their country of origin.

Postal services, including Royal Mail and Germany's DHL, said they would suspend deliveries until they had proper systems in place to deal with the new rules.

 

[Hoosierken]

I bought this saxophone on Temu back in December for $224. As you can see the price has gone up. However, I found almost the exact same thing for $210 now, it figures. I have noticed that many other things on Temu have gone up and found that it is often no better prices than what you find on Amazon or Ebay.

 

[Ivan]

And now....

Packages under US$800 no longer exempt from tariffs, so many foreign postal services suspending some post into the US

 

[Dr G]

And now....

Packages under US$800 no longer exempt from tariffs, so many foreign postal services suspending some post into the US

Customs is going to be soooooo busy. I was amused to see that one of the reasons given for doing away with the exemption is that it was being used to ship illegal drugs. Makes perfect sense until it doesn't.

It is going to make it all the more difficult for people such as @Phil to do business across the pond. Shipping for services, such as refacing, may be more trouble than it is worth.