Washington- US
New tariffs and ongoing trade policy uncertainty are creating significant challenges for American companies, with a recent survey revealing widespread concerns about delayed growth, disrupted operations, and reduced product offerings. The survey, conducted by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), indicates that rather than boosting domestic manufacturing, the current trade environment is hindering the ability of U.S. businesses to compete.
According to the NFTC’s Supply Chain Survey, nearly 90% of businesses across various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and food and beverage, reported that tariffs have negatively impacted their manufacturing and production. The study found that the uncertainty surrounding trade policy is particularly constraining, with 75% of respondents stating that it is a factor in delaying U.S.-based investments. More than half of the companies surveyed have either delayed product launches or reduced their offerings due to existing or anticipated tariffs.
The survey also highlighted the broader impact on the economy, with 75% of companies reporting that the tariffs are raising consumer prices and limiting access to affordable goods. The unpredictability of new announcements and the lack of a clear, long-term trade strategy were cited as key concerns.
John Pickel, Vice President for International Supply Chain Policy at the NFTC, stated that “volatility in trade policy, and tariffs in particular, are hurting rather than helping U.S. companies.” He added that the current environment is “paralyzing supply chain decision-making,” forcing companies to delay or even cancel projects that support American jobs.
The survey’s findings come as the U.S. administration implements new tariffs on a wide range of goods from various trading partners. These actions, intended to promote American manufacturing and address trade imbalances, are instead causing bottlenecks, inflating costs, and forcing businesses to re-evaluate their long-term strategies. The report underscores the need for a more structured and predictable approach to trade policy to ensure the competitiveness and resilience of American businesses in the global economy.
