"The import taxes have raised the costs of engines, steel, gearboxes and clutches made abroad that Allen needs to build power trowels that can sell for up to $100,000 each. Allen's experience embodies a growing body of evidence that the tariffs that Trump said would help American factories are, in fact, squashing many of them."
"Allen said he ran his company at a loss in 2025 because of tariffs. His payroll has fallen to 140 workers from a peak of 205. To get by this year, he has hiked prices by 8% to 10%, even though that might mean fewer sales."
"What's really sad is the unintended consequences of his tariffs are hurting manufacturing in our country. Unfortunately, the working-class people are getting squeezed."
"Factories continue to shed workers, with 98,000 manufacturing jobs lost during Trump's first full 12 months back in the White House. American companies that foot the bill for tariffs are now suing the Trump administration for more than $130 billion in tariff refunds."
Jay Allen, a Trump supporter who voted for him expecting tax cuts and deregulation, now faces severe business challenges from tariffs on imported components. His manufacturing company, Allen Engineering Corp., which produces industrial concrete equipment, has suffered significant losses due to increased costs for engines, steel, gearboxes, and clutches. The company lost money in 2025, reduced its workforce from 205 to 140 workers, and raised prices by 8-10% to survive. Manufacturing employment has declined by 98,000 jobs during Trump's first year, contradicting his promise that tariffs would expand American factories. Companies are suing for over $130 billion in tariff refunds, and federal deficits continue rising rather than shrinking as promised.
Read at Fast Company
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