Artists in the US feel impact of Trump's tariffs in rising material costs

President Trump's trade policies have begun to disrupt the art world in the US, particularly through new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. Artists are struggling with increased costs and limited availability of essential materials, causing them to search for alternatives. This change has been particularly challenging for those reliant on Chinese imports, as some materials have become prohibitively expensive or outright unavailable. The uncertainty in trade could lead to diminished production capabilities among artists, impacting creativity and financial stability in the arts sector.

“It's like every day there is a new thing,” she says. She adapted her practice to other materials in 2022 when acrylic, hair and kiln products, all imported from China, became scarce or expensive. “I don't even know how I can pivot at this point.”

Many artists work with fabricators in China for casting or stainless steel, particularly polished steel in which the metal produces a mirrored effect. “It is 200 to 300 hours of labour and that adds up.”

The US imports 70% of its aluminium; 60% arrives from Canada, tariff-free. There are few American aluminium smelters, and sheltering domestic producers from international competition is unlikely to help prices.

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