President Donald J. Trump’s unwavering commitment to reviving American manufacturing is reportedly “increasing demand for certain U.S.-made products, benefiting smaller businesses in the early stages,” as noted by The Wall Street Journal. This shift has prompted companies to bring production back to American soil and source their supplies domestically.
Here are several illustrative examples from the article:
- “‘We are overwhelmed. We are operating 24/7 in both Chicago and Cleveland,’ stated Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc., a manufacturer of industrial tools such as screwdrivers, clamps, and hoists. Schron attributed the bustling activity in his Ohio and Illinois factories to a surge in orders from clients eager to sidestep import tariffs.”
- “Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics in Ashtabula, Ohio, reported a surge in inquiries and orders. Two former clients who had turned to Chinese suppliers years ago have recently returned, seeking to purchase rubber gaskets for their plastic pails. Additionally, three oil filter manufacturers expressed interest in moving their business from China, with two already placing orders. If all goes well, this new business could generate around $5 million annually, roughly 10% of Grand River’s revenue, prompting potential new hires and expanded production lines.”
- “The tariffs have become a lifeline for U.S. companies that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic to produce face masks, rubber gloves, and other personal protective equipment, as imports from Asia dwindled. Following the pandemic, these companies faced challenges when hospitals and clinics returned to cheaper suppliers in China. However, the recent U.S. tariffs on rubber gloves from China have doubled prices, leading to a scramble among those dependent on Chinese goods for alternative sources, according to Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct. ‘We were overlooked for a long time, but lately, we’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries,’ he noted.”
- “Employees at Massachusetts-based AccuRounds are putting in extra hours to meet the increasing demand for their shafts, valves, and other steel components. The company recently regained two customers who had previously shifted their business to suppliers in Singapore and China. Their first-quarter sales saw a 20% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by Chief Executive Michael Tamasi.”
- “Michigan-based Whirlpool, which produces 80% of its U.S. appliances domestically, argues that its Asian competitors have enjoyed an unfair advantage. These rivals manufacture overseas and have not been subject to import tariffs since 2023, when tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term expired. Whirlpool claims that access to cheaper materials in Asia allows its competitors to price washers $150 lower at retail. Chief Executive Marc Bitzer expressed optimism that the new tariffs on imported appliances would help level the playing field. ‘These tariffs will finally create a fairer competitive environment for Whirlpool,’ he stated during an analyst call in April.”
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports:
- “At the Excel Dryer plant, COO William Gagnon remains unperturbed. In fact, he views President Trump’s import taxes as a boon for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of restroom hand dryers. Gagnon attributes the positive impact of Trump’s first-term tariffs to a shift in production location strategies … He speculates that the president’s second-term ‘reciprocal’ tariffs could eliminate trade barriers that currently hinder Excel’s high-velocity hand dryers from dominating markets in Brazil and Australia. By making foreign products more expensive, these tariffs enhance the competitiveness of domestic suppliers while discouraging American consumers from opting for cheaper Chinese imitations. Gagnon also sees potential for expanding into foreign markets, as the tariffs imposed on China this year have increased demand for one of Excel Dryer’s local suppliers: Double A Molding in Monson, Massachusetts. As Trump intensifies his trade conflict with China, Double A is already feeling the effects.”
