What Manufacturers are Saying About Proposed Tariffs

March 6, 2018
Trade associations, manufacturing companies and unions give their takes on tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The manufacturing sector is quite alarmed by President Trump's proposed tariff of 25% on imported steel and 10% on aluminum. The auto companies, in particular, have made it known the increase will have adverse effects on the industry as higher prices will push down demand and eventually could lead to job loss.

Other sectors such as metalforming, appliance and aluminum aren't in agreement that tariffs will solve the problem. On the other hand, some unions see the new rules as a way to protect US workers.

Additionally, the tariff situation is affecting NAFTA talks as well.

IndustryWeek has been offering a variety of viewpoints and stories about the issue.

Here are some of the articles:

How US Squandered its Steel Superiority

Hyundai Warns Tariffs May Jeopardize US Production

Steel Tariffs Hang Over NAFTA

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.