We’ve been closely monitoring the evolving tariff landscape and staying in touch with manufacturers, suppliers, and partners across North America. In light of recent developments, I’d like to share some key insights and a call to action for our industry.

In an industry that depends on small businesses and a limited number of global manufacturers for essential tools and materials, the proposed tariffs are having a tangible impact. We have key partners in Canada and Mexico that have been a part of this community for generations. Even though a 30-day reprieve for certain goods from Mexico and Canada was announced on March 7th, the guidelines and tariff percentages were revised less than 24 hours later. This volatility has already contributed to increased pricing and supply challenges for businesses and consumers alike.

Rising costs, especially in shipping, were already putting pressure on every aspect of our industry. Additional increases in tariffs will, at the very least, put further pressure on shipping costs affecting everything from our supplies to our magazine, the Stained Glass Quarterly, which is already experiencing drastically extended reviews at major customs points.

Our industry’s resilience depends on global collaboration and advocacy efforts. This organization was founded to champion the artisans who bring our craft to life.  We are in this together, and one of the most important steps we can take is to educate our elected officials about the real-world effects of these policies.

Here at the offices, on behalf of our members in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond, we have set aside time daily to reach out directly to our elected officials in both houses and in multiple departments in the federal government. We started in our home state and then prioritized states and regions where we have major manufacturers. We continue to call several representatives a day as decisions change and the situation evolves to raise awareness about our industry's situation. -In addition to phone calls and voicemails, we have sent letters highlighting the impact to our industry, especially to those representatives and officials that sit on committees that can bring oversight pressure to this process.  

Our message is clear: the impact on our industry is significant, and we must raise awareness about a niche sector that stands to be disproportionately affected by blanket tariffs, especially when there is no clear process for us to apply for exemptions.

We invite all community members that are able to join us in raising awareness about how this will impact the entire North American industry. You may refer to the suggested script below when contacting your representatives. We've also included a link to help you find your elected officials contact information. 
 

“Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [Your City/State]. I’m calling as a [member/supporter/artisan] of one of North America’s historic trade communities. The Stained Glass Association of America has supported the architectural stained glass industry over 125 years, working together to secure the resources and materials necessary for our craft, and we are deeply concerned that these tariffs could severely disrupt and ultimately devastate our industry. I urge you to consider the unique challenges industries like ours are facing and to demand accountability and exemptions to protect our trade before more damage is done. Thank you for your time and consideration."

       *IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.

Or build your own message with these Key Bullet Points:

  • Tariffs are creating price increases and a sense of scarcity in our industry.
  • Even the ongoing threat of tariffs without resolution is already and will continue to disproportionately damage niche industries like ours.
  • These tariffs will disrupt our critical, essential supply chains, raise costs for every small business our industry is built on, and put jobs that require our specialized skills at risk. 
  • The skilled preservation trades are particularly at risk of the devastating consequences of unilateral, massive changes to trade policies that could impact our work for decades to come.
  • We ask that our representatives demand accountability and industry-specific review on these tariffs and on related trade issues.

Educating elected officials is critical to ensure that policy decisions reflect our industry’s realities. For a reliable, non-partisan resource to look up your representative’s contact details, please visit: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.

Thank you for helping us champion the entire North American stained glass industry and for your ongoing commitment to our community. Together, we can make our voices heard.