U.S. small manufacturers hope to benefit from tariffs, but some worry about uncertainty

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Drew Greenblatt supports the Trump administration’s use of tariffs to rectify what it perceives as a global trade system skewed in favor of foreign companies over U.S. manufacturers. Greenblatt, the president and owner of Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore, Maryland, manufactures baskets and racks for various industries. The company, with 115 employees, operates in three locations across Maryland, Indiana, and Michigan, sourcing steel from Tennessee, Illinois, and Michigan.

Greenblatt points out the challenge of competing with overseas-made baskets due to what he considers an “unfair advantage” enjoyed by other countries. He highlights the discrepancy in pricing, where it costs more for a German consumer or company to buy Marlin wire baskets than it does for Americans to purchase a German-made basket, creating an uneven playing field.

The Trump administration has prioritized U.S. manufacturing as an “economic and national security” concern, as the sector has seen a decline over the years. The imposition of tariffs on some U.S. trading partners aims to encourage more domestic production and create better-paying jobs in various industries.

While some small manufacturing businesses, like Greenblatt’s, support the tariffs, others like Corry Blanc of Blanc Creatives in Virginia express concerns about the potential negative impact on the economy. Blanc emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the policy’s rollout and its effects on businesses and households.

Michael Lyons of Rogue Industries in Maine echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the uncertainty caused by the tariffs outweighing any possible long-term benefits. Despite wanting to expand his business, Lyons is cautious about doing so during this period of uncertainty.

In contrast, American Giant CEO Bayard Winthrop remains optimistic about the tariffs, hoping they will lead to a revival of American-made products. Winthrop, who founded a clothing company focused on American manufacturing, believes in the importance of supporting domestic industries for long-term economic growth.

Overall, while there are mixed views on the impact of tariffs on U.S. businesses, the debate continues on whether the policies will ultimately benefit or harm the American economy.