Last updated on 10/4/2025. The information in this article reflects the tariff situation at the time of writing. Trade policies and import duties can change quickly, so for the most up-to-date information and pricing, please don’t hesitate to contact us .
Update 09/4/2025: On April 9th the US government announced a 90-day pause on tariffs. At the moment it is unclear what this means for the EU. What we do know is that the baseline 10% global tariffs will remain in effect for now.
Prices in our store and webshop have not been affected by this, so the price you see is the price you pay. If you are hesitant about placing a pre-order or custom order, please get in touch so we can give you all the details.
From April 9, 2025, import tariffs on European products will be raised as part of a broader economic strategy by the U.S. This directly affects the prices of European guitars in the U.S., but likely also American guitars in Europe. The European Union has stated it will introduce countermeasures, which could further complicate the situation.
The high-quality guitars exported from Europe to the U.S.—may see major price increases for American consumers. Think of brands like Furch, Lowden and Atkin, which will become more expensive for U.S. buyers. This could directly affect retail prices and make choosing a European guitar less attractive in the U.S.
Disruption of Production and Supply Chain
The consequences of these tariffs go beyond individual price increases. In addition to higher prices for consumers, the production and supply chain in the music industry may be challenged. American manufacturers who rely on imported materials—like steel for hardware parts—could face higher costs. This could translate into price hikes not only for guitars, but also for accessories such as strings, amplifiers, and picks.
On the flip side, the EU could impose its own countermeasures, introducing tariffs on American products as well. This could lead to a “price-on-price” situation. Prices for American guitars like Gibson, Fender and PRS,could increase in Europe, making it more difficult for European consumers to choose American brands.
So, the impact of these tariffs extends beyond just the increased cost of guitars. It has the potential to affect the music industry as a whole, from production to retail, and from the supply chain to store inventory. These changes could significantly impact the prices, availability, and diversity of musical instruments worldwide.
What Does This Mean for American Guitarists Wanting to Buy a European Guitar?
1.European High-End Brands Could Become More Expensive in the U.S.
From April 9, 2025, guitars from top European brands could become pricier in the U.S. due to increased import tariffs.
3. Decreased demand
Higher prices might reduce demand for European guitars in the U.S., which could affect the availability of certain models.
2. Delays
The new tariffs may cause longer delivery times for European guitars in the U.S. Specific models could become harder to find.
What Does This Mean for European Guitarists?
3. Currency fluctuations
The increased tariffs may influence exchange rates, which could further raise the prices of imported guitars.
2. Less availability
If Europe retaliates, American guitars may become harder to obtain in Europe due to higher import tariffs and longer delivery times.
Why This Affects You as a Consumer in Europe
The consequences of these tariffs don’t just affect guitar prices. They may also have broader economic effects that could directly impact you as a European consumer:
- Higher prices due to income loss: European companies that sell a lot to the U.S.—like Dutch musical instrument exporters—might lose income due to higher tariffs. To make up for the loss, they may raise their prices in Europe. This means you might see higher prices for certain brands or models in the Netherlands, whether European or American.
- Price-on-price situation: If the EU introduces countermeasures and import tariffs on American products, it could lead to a “price-on-price” effect. This means costs for both European and American guitars could rise in Europe, putting further pressure on consumer prices.
- Harm to European exporters: European companies that export to the U.S. will also be affected. They may face higher tariffs and reduced demand, which can impact the European economy—and possibly your wallet—indirectly.
Is This the Right Time to Buy a Guitar?
Yes, this might just be the time to buy your guitar. Here’s why:
✔ Prices have not gone up yet: the prices in our webshop and store remain at pre-tariff levels. However, prices of guitars ordered by us in the future may be higher due to the tariffs.
✔ Good availability right now: Stock levels for popular brands are good at the moment. After the tariffs kick in, certain models could become harder to get.
What Can You Do as a European Buyer?
Stay informed
Follow the news about import tariffs and international trade so you're not caught off guard.
Consider alternatives
There are fantastic guitars available from Europe and other parts of the world that may not be affected by these tariffs - think of Furch, BSG, Lowden and Atkin!
Consult us!
Questions about how these developments might affect your purchase? Our Fellows would love to assist!
The increase in import tariffs becomes a reality from April 9, 2025, and this could significantly impact guitar prices in both the U.S. and Europe. If you’re thinking about buying a new guitar, now might be the right moment—before prices rise and availability drops.
At The Fellowship of Acoustics, we have a wide range of top guitars still available at current prices. Visit our beautiful store -browse our website, and discover your dream guitar!