What Tariffs Mean for Church AVL Planning

(Updated April 2025)

Tariffs Are Here—But They Don’t Have to Derail Your Church’s Mission

If you’ve been hearing chatter about tariffs lately, you’re not alone. Whether in the news, around the office, or even at industry events, there’s plenty of speculation and concern.

And now that tariffs are officially in effect on many tech and AV products—plus materials like steel and aluminum—churches planning upgrades in 2025 are feeling the impact.

So, what does this mean for your ministry? Should you wait? Should you rush? Should you worry?

Take a breath. We've been here before.

This Isn’t the First Challenge—and It Won’t Be the Last

If you’ve been in ministry leadership for any amount of time, you know how quickly things can shift—budgets, timelines, even your Sunday morning setup. Tariffs are just one more thing to manage, not a reason to panic.

Just a few years ago, churches faced price jumps from earlier tariff rounds. Then came COVID-19, where global supply chains were disrupted and lead times tripled. We made it through those seasons. And we’ll navigate this one too.

Yes, Costs Are Going Up—but Not Across the Board

LED walls, lighting fixtures, and rigging components are often sourced from countries directly impacted by the new tariffs—especially China. That means price increases on certain gear. For example, a $20,000 LED wall might now cost $24,000 or more, depending on the manufacturer.

But not everything is affected. Labor, infrastructure, and some accessories may not see the same jump, depending on their source. And with smart planning, it’s still possible to deliver high-impact upgrades without blowing your budget.

Why Now Might Still Be the Right Time

It’s tempting to “wait it out” and see if prices settle. But historically, waiting hasn’t always paid off. During previous tariff seasons, inflation and demand continued to drive prices higher—even without new policies.

More importantly: your mission doesn’t pause just because the market gets tricky. The right tools—like LED walls and modern lighting—can create transformative worship environments, support online ministry, and increase engagement. Those aren’t just line items—they’re investments in impact.

Here’s How to Respond (Instead of React)

When things feel uncertain, the best move is a thoughtful one. Here are three ways your church can move forward with confidence:

1. Act Quickly If You Can
   If your project is already in motion, now’s the time to finalize plans and lock in pricing before further changes hit. Financing options like leasing or church-specific loans can help you move without delay.
2. Budget for Flexibility
   If you need more time, plan for the reality of price increases. Communicate early and clearly with your team and stakeholders so expectations are aligned. Transparency builds trust.
3. Phase Your Project
   If the full upgrade isn’t doable right now, consider phasing. Start with the most mission-critical elements and build from there. A well-planned phase approach often preserves quality while easing the financial load.

Final Thoughts: Choose Mission Over Market Trends

Churches thrive not because the economy is stable—but because the mission is clear. If your upgrades align with how God is calling your ministry to grow, there will always be a path forward.

Don’t let fear drive your decisions. Let wisdom, stewardship, and vision lead the way.

If you have questions about how these tariffs might affect your specific upgrade, we’re here to help. Our team at Vantage Pro is ready to walk with you, provide clarity, and help you take the next faithful step.

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