Trump’s trade wars sting US manufacturers ahead of midterms

Ohio-based aluminium manufacturer Shapes Unlimited CEO Doug Rende laments the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on his business, with annual costs soaring to $4.5 million to $5 million due to a 50% tariff on aluminium. Rende attributes the financial strain to higher transportation fees, which have risen as a result of the ongoing Iran war.

Shapes Unlimited has had to pause hiring and invest in robotic assembly to cope with the increased costs. Meanwhile, kitchen and bathroom product manufacturer Sam Miller is also grappling with Trump's trade policies. Miller faces tariffs on imported materials from Asia and difficulty expanding into Canada due to worsening US-Canada trade relations.

He has received refunds after the Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's duties, but the president has since reinstated them. Deteriorating US-Canada ties and the Iran war are straining both Miller's business and his customers. Guy Coviello, president of the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, is closely monitoring tariffs, the Iran war, and immigration, expressing concerns about the overall negative impact on firms.

Ohio's largest export market, Canada, accounts for a third of Ohio's exports, causing further complications. While some businesses may benefit from higher barriers for foreign competitors, Coviello emphasizes the need for caution when it comes to non-critical products that are not readily available in the US.