Business leaders across the board have been struggling with constant changes in duty rates since the first tariff announcements and pauses in April.
The persistent back-and-forth has shifted business from growth to “wait and see,” which is stagnating to companies and the economy overall, says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG, PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier.
“We need clear communication from Washington as to what is the endgame,” he adds, “because the whipsaw effect of back-and-forth tariff announcements, and the posture toward China in particular, makes it difficult to invest in business.”
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The constant changes mean every quote and potential project takes far longer than it used to, says Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, CEO and founder of Competitive Edge, PPAI 100’s No. 62 distributor. “Every time I blink, something is changing or threatening to change.” This also makes it impossible to lock in prices, which is frustrating for both her team and their clients, she adds. “We’re all at risk of losing the business, ultimately.”
Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+
CEO and founder, Competitive Edge
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PPAI’s advocacy firm, Thorn Run Partners, has compiled a special report reviewing the tariffs imposed by the administration so far, as well as some of the actions potentially on the horizon. Read or download the full report below to learn more about:
- Court challenges to the “fentanyl” and reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Tariffs imposed and proposed on Chinese-origin maritime cargo handling equipment by the U.S. Trade Representative.
- Steel, copper and aluminum (and derivative products) tariffs levied under Section 232.
- What tariff rates now apply to shipments previously exempt under the de minimis rule.
- Tariff rates listed by country of origin, with the latest updates highlighted.
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Access the full report here:
For questions or suggestions on regulatory or government affairs issues, please contact Rachel Zoch, PPAI’s public affairs manager, at RachelZ@ppai.org.
