Tariffs: A Double-Edged Sword for Small Manufacturers

The U. S. government has been using tariffs to level the playing field for American manufacturers. This move has sparked a mix of hope and worry among small business owners. Some see it as a chance to boost local production and jobs. Others worry about the economic fallout and the uncertainty it brings. Drew Greenblatt, who runs Marlin Steel Wire Products, is all for the tariffs. He believes they can help American workers compete fairly. His company makes baskets and racks for various industries. He sources steel from several states and employs over a hundred people. Greenblatt argues that foreign countries often have an unfair advantage due to their tariffs and taxes. This makes it tough for American companies to compete. The U. S. manufacturing sector has been struggling for decades. In the late 1970s, there were nearly 20 million manufacturing jobs. By 2025, that number had dropped to around 13 million. Small manufacturers, which make up most of the industry, have been hit hard. The government hopes that tariffs will encourage more production in the U. S. , creating better-paying jobs. But not everyone is on board. Corry Blanc, who owns Blanc Creatives, is more cautious. He makes handcrafted cookware and employs a dozen people. Blanc worries about the uncertainty caused by the tariffs. He's already seen a drop in orders from Canada and overseas. Plus, he's not sure if his business can handle a sudden increase in demand. Michael Lyons, the founder of Rogue Industries, shares Blanc's concerns. His company makes leather goods in Maine. Lyons has seen a long-time customer pull out due to the tariffs. He's hesitant to expand his business until things settle down. On the other hand, Bayard Winthrop of American Giant sees a brighter future. He started his clothing company to bring manufacturing back to the U. S. Winthrop hopes that tariffs will help American-made products compete with imports. He understands the worries but thinks it's important to look at the long term. The tariffs are a gamble. They could boost American manufacturing and create jobs. But they could also lead to economic trouble and uncertainty. It's a complex issue with no easy answers. As the situation unfolds, small manufacturers will be watching closely, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.