Tariffs Strain Northeast Ohio Manufacturing and Music Equipment Industry
EarthQuaker Devices, an Akron, Ohio-based maker of guitar pedals used by major acts such as Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, and PJ Harvey, faces rising costs due to tariffs. Its Plumes pedal model has sold over 67,000 units and contains more than 1,000 components, many imported from China and Vietnam. Tariffs adding up to 30% have increased expenses for EarthQuaker, costs which the company has absorbed so far but finds unsustainable. These tariffs are described as not benefiting U.S. manufacturing.
The northeast Ohio region, including Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown, is part of the Rust Belt and has been negatively impacted by tariffs, contributing to economic decline, job losses, and at least one shutdown of two molding plants in August by a major employer. According to a Magnet report, about one in three manufacturers in northeast Ohio have been affected by tariff costs. Losses due to tariffs were 16% compared to gains of 9%, and only 9% of manufacturers reported returning more production this year.
Port of Cleveland data shows a 15–20% decline in cargo volume in 2025 compared to the previous year, with importers citing tariff-related stress. Some importers use foreign trade zones to defer duties. While some manufacturers anticipate growth potential in 2026, long lead times for major new investments and overall uncertainty persist. Efforts to reshore production remain limited despite tariff policies.
