The resurgence of vinyl records signifies a slow revival in American manufacturing, with the number of U.S. pressing plants growing from 21 to at least 35 in the past decade. However, this growth faces challenges due to President Trump's tariffs, which complicate supply chains, especially for smaller operations like Hellbender Vinyl in Pittsburgh. The raw materials for vinyl, primarily sourced from Asia and impacted by European vendors, have made pricing unpredictably volatile. As shipping costs and global market dynamics fluctuate, smaller manufacturers find it difficult to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring quality supply.
Politicians push for American manufacturing, yet vinyl records' revival faces hurdles from tariffs, impacting smaller manufacturers like Hellbender Vinyl.
The US now has 35 vinyl pressing plants but fluctuating tariffs create challenges for supply chains and pricing, especially for smaller businesses.
Mike Yanchuk of Hellbender Vinyl reflects on the unpredictability of global trade: 'A little update comes through and something under your feet is changing.'
Hellbender faces rising raw material costs amid tariff volatility, noting, 'People aren't apologizing for the cost of raw materials, they're demand pricing it.'
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