The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Art Supplies in the US

# The Impact of Tariffs on the Art Community: What Artists, Educators, and Retailers Need to Know

## Introduction

In an already uncertain economic climate, the imposition of new trade tariffs can have a significant effect on various industries, including the art world. On **March 4**, former U.S. President **Donald Trump** imposed **25% tariffs** on **Mexican and Canadian imports**, along with a **20% tariff on Chinese goods**—a sharp increase from the previous month.

For **artists, students, educators, and retailers**, these tariffs could result in **rising costs of art materials**, making essential supplies more expensive and harder to obtain. As retaliation from affected countries looms, many in the art community are left questioning how these changes will impact their financial security and creative freedom.

## How Tariffs May Affect Art Supplies

### Increased Costs for Imported Materials

Painter and printmaker **Kirsten Borror**, who is preparing to start her **Master of Fine Arts program**, voiced concerns about whether she should have stocked up on her preferred art materials—**Charbonnel etching ink** and **Rives BFK paper by Arches**—before the tariff hikes.

_”I don’t want to feel limited in what I can explore because supplies are too expensive,”_ she said.

While some **professional-grade supplies**—such as **Golden Artist Acrylics (made in New York)**, **Gamblin Oil Colors (Portland)**, and **Daniel Smith Watercolors (Seattle)**—are domestically produced, many **raw materials used in art supplies originate from overseas**, particularly China and Europe.

### How Art Retailers and Manufacturers Are Preparing

Robert Buchsbaum, CEO of **Blick Art Materials**, stated that while the company has not conducted a full study on the effects of tariffs, they have **stockpiled inventory** for specific product lines in anticipation of cost increases.

>_”Because many products used by professional artists are made in the U.S. or Europe, the impact might not be as bad as some might think,”_ Buchsbaum explained.

Despite this, **writing instruments, student-grade paints, and canvas** could be affected, as many base materials and components—such as **pigments from Asia and China-made paint tubes**—are being subjected to higher import duties.

### Potential Supply Chain Issues

Apart from costs, **availability** is also a growing concern. Several **art supply retailers and manufacturers either declined to comment or did not respond** to inquiries about pricing changes, including **Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Artist & Craftsman, JoAnn Fabrics, Liquitex, and Golden Artist Acrylics**.

Art material producers that rely on **imported minerals, dyes, and synthetic components** might eventually **limit their product ranges**, forcing artists and educators to adapt to new or unfamiliar brands.

## Impact on Artists, Students, and Educators

Many **famous artist supplies** are manufactured in the U.S. or Europe, but **tariffs on components and raw materials** could drive up costs, disproportionately affecting:

– **Art students** with limited budgets
– **Public school art programs** with tight funding
– **Independent artists** whose incomes are already unstable

**Classroom staples** like **Prismacolor pencils**, **Crayola crayons**, and even the beloved **Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils** are **manufactured in Mexico**, meaning these tariffs could raise costs for students and schools.

> “_Our business is already tailored to a niche market, and cities could lose another landmark art store_,” said Roger Danilo Carmona, **General Manager of Kremer Pigments** in New York.

Kremer Pigments has already stopped carrying **certain pigments and metal powders** due to international trade restrictions, signaling that art supply options could shrink in the near future.

## Artists and Educators Should Prepare

While the full effect of these tariffs remains uncertain, **artists and educators can take several steps to prepare**:

– **Stock up on essential materials:** If budgets permit, consider purchasing staple **paints, papers, and inks** before prices rise further.
– **Look for locally produced alternatives:** Many **professional-grade supplies** are made in the U.S. or Europe and may not face major price hikes.
– **Consider bulk or wholesale purchases:** Retailers may offer discounts for institutions, educators, or artist groups.
– **Experiment with alternative materials:** If traditional supplies become too costly, exploring **DIY solutions or substitute brands** could be worthwhile.

## Conclusion

Trump’s **newly imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China** are expected to **impact the cost of art supplies**, though the full consequences depend on how retailers, manufacturers, and international trade policies evolve in response.

For **artists, students,