A vinyl record pressing plant west of Toronto is promising to eat the cost of tariffs for its American customers.
Shawn Johnson, the president and CEO of Precision Record Pressing in Burlington, said in an statement on the company’s website this week that he is “committed to ensuring a seamless and cost-effective experience for our customers across North America.
“We understand that recent tariff announcements may raise concerns, and we want to assure our U.S.-based customers that any tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on Canadian exports will be paid by and fully absorbed by PRP.”
Johnson said customers across the border won’t be burdened with any additional charges, price increases, or hidden fees.
“Our priority is to continue providing high-quality vinyl records and packaging solutions without disruption or added financial burden,” he said.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a monthlong pause on 25% tariffs on Canadian goods protected by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement imposed two days earlier.
It was unclear if the company, established in 2016 as a partnership between Czechia-based record manufacturer GZ Media and Canadian music distributor Isotope Music, will be shifting any Canadian orders south of the border.
Apart from its European operations, GZ Media also has access to two vinyl pressing plants in Tennessee — one in Nashville and the other in Memphis.
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The company received backlash online after sharing the update to its Instagram account.
“But the American clients SHOULD be paying the tariffs. Not the Canadian company,” a follower wrote. “I understand the desire to not lose business but this is disappointing from a Canadian company and makes me question if I want to use Precision Pressing again (in) the future.”
Other commenters said companies on this side of the border should stand up for Canadians and not support Americans during this trade war.
“Absolutely horrible idea, and a kick in the face to Canadians and to the efforts of Canada and the Provinces to fight back,” one person wrote.