Korg USA's Joe Castronovo Joins NAMM Urging Congress to Exclude Tariffs

(SEATED L-R Joe Castronovo, Jake Connolly. STANDING L-R: NY Representative Tom Souzzi, and Melissa Heche)

Press release follows:

Joseph Castronovo, President of Korg USA Joins NAMM's Washington DC Advocacy Fly-In Urging Congress to Exclude Musical Instruments, Components and Materials from Tariffs

MELVILLE, NY – On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Joe Castronovo from Korg USA joined a delegation of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Members, music industry leaders, and advocacy partners to meet with members of Congress and urge relief from tariffs on musical instruments, accessories, components and raw materials. The 20th NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In welcomed new and returning advocates from all over the U.S., including 100 music business leaders and professionals representing all 50 states. Joe Castronovo from Korg USA represented the state of New York as part of the delegation advocating for tariff relief that would benefit music retailers, manufacturers, educators, and students nationwide.

“Each time we come back to Washington, it reinforces how important it is for our industry to speak with one unified voice. These conversations matter - lawmakers are listening more closely, and there’s a growing understanding of how tariffs impact a highly global, specialized supply chain like ours.

But the reality is, tariffs don’t just affect manufacturers - they directly impact small retailers, increase costs for customers, and make it harder for students and first-time players to access music. That’s why it’s so important to be here: to connect policy decisions to real-world consequences and advocate for solutions that protect both our industry and access to music.” Joe Castronovo

Tariffs on musical instruments and related products threaten to raise costs for music retailers, schools, and students at a time when access to music education has never been more important. NAMM Members traveled to Capitol Hill to make the case directly to lawmakers that tariff exemptions for music products protect American jobs, support music educators, and keep instruments accessible for the next generation of musicians. Learn more: https://www.namm.org/issues-and-advocacy/fly-in