Canadian Vinyl Manufacturer Promises To Absorb Tariff Costs For American Customers
In a controversial move, Ontario's Precision Record Pressing has announced that American customers will not see their prices rise.
An Ontario-based vinyl company has announced it will absorb tariff costs for American customers, receiving a mixed response.
As America imposes 25% tariffs on some Canadian imports (with others delayed until April 2), Precision Record Precision is committing to keeping prices stable for U.S. clients, Exclaim! reports.
"We understand that recent tariff announcements may raise concerns, and we want to assure our US-based customers that any tariffs imposed by the US government on Canadian exports will be paid by and fully absorbed by PRP," says a statement from CEO Shawn Johnson.
With manufacturing based in Burlington, Ontario, the company bills itself as one of the largest pressing plants in North America. The company was established in 2016 as a partnership between the massive Czech-owned vinyl manufacturer GZ Media and Canadian music distributor Isotope Music.
Some customers welcomed the decision, but the top comment on Instagram disagrees with the company.
"But the American clients SHOULD be paying the tariffs. Not the Canadian company. I understand the desire to not lose business but this is disappointing from a Canadian company and makes me question if I want to use Precision Pressing again thin [sic] the future," the comment reads.
The trade battle between the U.S. and Canada, as well as persistent threats by the American President to annex Canada, have prompted uncertainty in the Canadian cultural industries as well as a wave of nationalism.
The Canadian Independent Music Association pulled out of SXSW, citing the tariffs, while many Canadian radio stations celebrated homegrown content with 'Canadian Day' on March 1. Canadian actor Mike Meyers, making a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, wore a "Canada: Not For Sale" shirt, also on March 1.
As the Precision case shows, the tariffs will also affect the manufacturing wing of the music industry. This week, Billboard's Kristin Robinson wrote about how the tariffs could be 'devastating' for musical instrument manufacturers.
During a period of high political tensions, expect to see more responses from Canadian musicians and music companies, as they grapple with the implications of American aggression.
