Trump’s trade wars sting US manufacturers ahead of midterms

Since taking office in January 2025, former President Donald Trump has utilized executive powers to impose tariffs on a variety of products and nations. For Doug Rende, CEO of Shapes Unlimited, an aluminum manufacturer in Ohio, these tariffs have translated to millions of additional dollars in annual expenses. The recent Iran conflict has further exacerbated costs for Rende and other American producers.

Trump's economic policies appear to be sowing mistrust, with Rende citing a perceived lack of confidence in the administration and governmental process.

Trump's trade conflicts extend beyond aluminum to encompass steel, automobiles, and countries like Canada and Iran. While some manufacturers benefit from higher barriers for foreign competitors, many others face mounting costs and uncertainty. Trump's escalating trade dispute with Canada, coupled with the Iran war, has heightened concerns. Democrats are hoping to capitalize on these grievances to gain a foothold in the upcoming midterms.

Rende's Ohio-based company, which produces aluminum building materials, has incurred significant costs due to Trump's aluminum tariffs, which have climbed from 10% to 50% under his administration. These added expenses are challenging for consumers to absorb, prompting Rende to absorb a substantial portion of the costs, including higher transportation expenses. The company has also paused hiring and invested in robotic assembly to mitigate the impact.

Similarly, Sam Miller, a kitchen and bathroom products manufacturer in Ohio, has faced dual challenges from Trump's trade wars. He pays tariffs on imported materials while also struggling to expand into Canada due to trade tensions. Miller notes the difficulty in managing the situation, expressing a belief that there will be a shift away from Republican views. Despite receiving some refunds after the Supreme Court invalidated several of Trump's duties, Trump has since reinstated many of them.

The deteriorating US-Canada relationship adds further complexity to Miller's challenges. Trade negotiations falling apart in August, coupled with Washington and Ottawa imposing tariffs on each other's products, have slowed progress on a planned Canadian distribution facility. Guy Coviello, president of the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, is closely monitoring tariffs, the Iran war, and immigration, all of which are presenting a mixed but overall negative impact on businesses.

Some firms have lost customers or downsized, and Canada remains Ohio's largest export market. Coviello acknowledges that while certain goods may warrant tariffs, such as defense and medical items, it is crucial to exercise caution with non-essential products that are readily available in the US.