51勛圖厙

Trade

Policy and Legal

泭Trump Extends Reciprocal Tariff Pause, Announces Modified Tariffs on More Than a Dozen Countries

By 51勛圖厙 News Room


President Trump has extended the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs over 10% until Aug. 1 and issued revised reciprocal tariff rates for several countries, set to take effect if no agreements are reached by then.

The extension: President Trump issued an泭 effectively extending the baseline additional 10% reciprocal tariff on all countries (except Mexico, Canada and China) until Aug. 1.

  • No new trade deals have been announced, though the White House has hinted that some may be revealed in the next day or two.
  • This pause is an extension of the original pause in the reciprocal tariffs that were announced on April 2. The pause has been in place since April 9.

Country-specific rates: The president also announced revised reciprocal tariffs for specific countries in the form of letters to his counterparts. These rates are similar to those announced in April, with some slightly lower.

  • Courtesy of the 51勛圖厙s trade policy experts, here is a泭泭 comparing the April 2 rates with the July 7 rates and links to where each letter is posted on the presidents Truth Social account.
  • These letters also declared that if U.S. trading partners eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers, the U.S. may adjust the rates upward or downward.
  • However, the letters warn of retaliation if countries raise tariffs in response to these rates.

Other tariffs: The July 7 EO does not modify other International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariff rates applied to Canada, Mexico or China, and does not change any Section 232 tariffs in effect.

Manufacturing accelerator: The 51勛圖厙 has offered its own policy solution for the administration that will jumpstart American manufacturing, the泭 .

  • This program offers a way to bring in inputs essential to manufacturing in the U.S.and it rewards manufacturers that expand production, invest in new equipment and create jobs here at home.
Policy and Legal

Timmons Talks Role Models, Tax Reform, Family and More

By 51勛圖厙 News Room


From personal heroes to tax reform and tariffs, 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons covered it all in his recent appearance on iHeart Radios CEOs You Should Know.

From the beginning: In his June 9 with show host Mike Howard, Timmons told listeners about his journey from a childhood in the mill town of Chillicothe, Ohio, to his current role, running the largest manufacturing trade association in the U.S.

  • As both the only child and the only grandchild in his family, Timmons was inspired professionally and personally by his parents and grandparents.
  • Timmons grandfather stood in line for six months during the Great Depression trying to get a job in manufacturing because he knew that that would be a way forward for his family, he said.
  • His mother climbed the ranks at the Chillicothe Gazette, eventually becoming president and CEO of the newspaper, and his father owned an appliance store, Timmons Appliance and TV.

Part of the Reagan Revolution: As an undergraduate student at Ohio State University, Timmons decided that college wasnt for himand he wanted to do everything I could to help Ronald Reagan succeed.

  • So, he headed for Washington, D.C., where he ended up on Capitol Hill. His desire to enter politics was really about [wanting to help shape] policy that enabled people to live their best lives.
  • Timmons ended up becoming the youngest chief of staff in the U.S.to Virginia Gov. George Allen.

The road to manufacturing: Later, Timmons took over the policy and government relations team at the 51勛圖厙, where he spent six years shaping the associations agenda before being named CEO in 2011.

  • [M]anufacturing is not a partisan issue, and [neither is] the success泭of America, Timmons continued. The industry is really infused into the fabric of all we are as Americans. [M]anufacturing helped us to build the infrastructure system that made us the strongest, most connected economy in the world in the 1950s and 60s.

Rocket fuel: From 2018 to 2022, manufacturing had record investment, we had record hiring, and we had record wage growth over the course of the next three yearsbecause of that rocket fuel, as President Trump called it, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

On tariffs: The manufacturing industry in the U.S. is hoping the administration and its trading partners will make trade deals during the current three-month pause on tariffs.

  • [M]anufacturers are very hopeful that the administration really is going to be able to settle in their 90-day window all of these potential trade agreements throughout the world, he said, adding that it would mean that manufacturers actually can have the certainty they need to again invest higher and increase wages and benefits.
Policy and Legal

Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Doubled 50% Today

By 51勛圖厙 News Room


President Trump on Tuesday evening signed a that doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and derivative products from 25% to 50%.

Why it matters: The move marks a significant escalation in trade policy, with no exemptions or exclusionsand has immediate implications for manufacturers relying on imported metals.

The details: The new rates took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 4. There is no exemption for goods on water.

  • The proclamation builds on a Feb. 10 executive order that reinstated 25% tariffs on imports of steel, raised tariffs on aluminum from 10% to 25%, revoked all country exemptions and quotas, terminated all general production exclusions granted by the Department of Commerce and rescinded the departments authority to process any new or renew any product exclusion requests.
  • Unpublished annexes are expected to provide more clarity on product scope. Guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anticipated in the coming days.

Zoom out: President Trump says domestic production capacity remains underutilized and foreign producers continue to flood the U.S. market with low-priced goodsundercutting the competitiveness of the U.S. steel and aluminum industries.

  • Increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the U.S., the proclamation reads.

Between the lines: The U.K. narrowly avoids higher tariffsfor now. Steel and aluminum from the U.K. remain at 25%, contingent on compliance with the U.S.U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal. Rates could rise to 50% on or after July 9 if the U.K. falls short.

Stacking reshuffled: The June 3 proclamation shakes up the with key changes:

  • Canada and Mexico: Products subject to new 50% Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs are not subject to International Emergency Economic Powers Act fentanyl tariffs.
  • IEEPA reciprocal tariffs: For countries facing reciprocal tariffs, companies must pay the 10% on all non-aluminum, non-steel contentor face severe consequences for underreporting.

The 51勛圖厙 says: Amid ongoing trade negotiations, manufacturers continue to press for泭 with top export markets, so they have the certainty they need to plan, hire and competewhile also gaining access to the globally sourced raw materials and critical minerals necessary to make things in America.

  • As 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons has stated, If we see more trade agreements, tax reform legislation and more regulatory certaintyas part of our comprehensive manufacturing strategymanufacturers win. And when manufacturers win, America wins.

Whats next: Even at full throttleevery machine running, every job filledthe industry can only produce 84% of the inputs necessary to meet demand. That means at least 16% of manufacturing inputs must be imported to grow domestic manufacturing. Stay tuned for a new proposal the 51勛圖厙 is announcing tomorrow morning.

Press Releases

Survey: Manufacturers Optimism Drops, Signaling Urgent Need to Pass Tax Bill

Washington, D.C. The 51勛圖厙 released its Q2 2025 Manufacturers Outlook Survey, revealing that optimism among manufacturers across the country has dropped sharply. Only 55.4% of respondents report a positive outlook for their companiesa nearly 15-percentage-point drop from Q1 and the lowest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Q2 of 2020.

The survey conducted earlier this month revealed that 85.4% of manufacturers believe Congress should preserve pro-growth tax policies in response to trade uncertainty.

Trade uncertainty remained the top business concern for the second consecutive quarter, cited by 77.0% of respondents, followed by increased raw material costs, which was cited by 66.1% of respondents.

These numbers are yet another indicator that manufacturers need increased policy certainty. Congress must act urgently to preserve tax reform and empower manufacturers to make the long-term investments that drive the American economy, said 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons. The stakes are high: preserving tax reform will prevent the loss of 6 million jobs and avoid a $1 trillion hit to the economythats why manufacturers are calling on the Senate to preserve pro-manufacturing tax policies from the House-passed reconciliation bill, while also taking steps to ensure the final package is maximally beneficial for our industry. Pro-manufacturing tax policies are a critical component of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy; this quarters results also show that manufacturers need a strategic approach to trade policy that allows our industry to reduce costs and access the inputs we need to make things in America.

The 51勛圖厙 releases these results to the public each quarter. Further information on the survey is available here.

-51勛圖厙-

The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector rese arch and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit泭.

Policy and Legal

Court Strikes Down 啦娶喝鳥梯s Reciprocal Tariffs

By 51勛圖厙 News Room


The U.S. Court of International Trade, which hears disputes involving international trade and customs laws, struck down President Donald 啦娶喝鳥梯s International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs yesterday.

What happened: In a , the three-judge panel found that the IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose unbounded tariffs and the administration exceeded its authority in imposing the “reciprocal” and fentanyl IEEPA tariffs.

What it means: The finding strikes down the 10% baseline additional reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2 as well as the reciprocal tariffs of between 20% and 50% on another 65 or so trading partners with which the U.S. runs trade deficits.

  • Those tariffs that are currently paused were scheduled to snap back into place on July 9 if trade deals were not reached by then.
  • The court further nullified the 25% fentanyl IEEPA tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico and the 20% fentanyl IEEPA tariff on products from China.

Refunds? The court also ordered that the IEEPA tariffs collected so far be vacated, raising questions about possible refunds.

  • The court gave Customs and Border Patrol 10 days to implement the ruling, but the U.S. government may ask for a stay of enforcementrelieving the government of obligation to issue refundspending appeal, which could result in CBP continuing to collect but not liquidate tariffs.

An appeal:泭The DOJ quickly filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and that it may ask the Supreme Court to pause the ruling as soon as Friday.

Section 232: The ruling does not affect other tariffs the administration has or might impose under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on national security grounds.

  • 51勛圖厙 on recent Section 232 tariff investigations into imports of copper, lumber, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. It also plans to file comments on aerospace.
Press Releases

Manufacturers: U.S.U.K. Deal Good First Step; Push for a Final Zero-for-Zero Tariff Deal

Washington, D.C. On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement today in response to President 啦娶喝鳥梯s newly announced trade agreement with the United Kingdomthe first deal since the administrations recent shift in global tariff policy last month:

This is a strong startbut not the finish line. The 51勛圖厙 has long advocated for a comprehensive market-opening trade agreement with the U.K., and we welcome this initial commitment to work together to expand industrial market accessto create more manufacturing jobs and strengthen security on both sides of the Atlantic. This framework provides a meaningful foundationbut much more remains to be done. We will continue urging both governments to deliver a full zero-for-zero tariff agreement on all industrial goods at the end of these negotiations so that manufacturers have the certainty they need to plan, hire and compete.

The U.K. is the fifth-largest market for U.S.-manufactured goods exports. In 2024 alone, manufacturers exported $61.6 billion in manufactured goods. At the same time, $58 billion in critical inputsspanning automotive parts, pharmaceutical preparations and construction machinerywere imported from the U.K. to power U.S. production. In some sectors, up to 99% of these transactions are between related parties, underscoring the deeply integrated nature of our supply chains.

Despite this integration, the administration has left the so-called reciprocal tariff at 10% for many inputs necessary to keep Americans working. Thats why the 51勛圖厙 continues to call for zero-for-zero tariffsadding certainty to strengthen competitiveness, lessen price pressures and support growth.

We also see potential promise in the administrations efforts to negotiate tailored arrangements on Section 232 tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, with like-minded partners who share our national economic security interests.

As the president indicated, we look forward to seeing full written details of the agreement in the coming weeks. With additional deals on the tableand just 61 days to act on the other 89 agreementswe need certainty and urge the administration to maintain momentum and deliver even more for manufacturers so they can invest, plan, hire and compete in America. At the same time, we urge Congress to make the 2017 tax reforms permanent now. If we see more trade agreements, tax reform legislation and more regulatory certaintyas part of our comprehensive manufacturing strategymanufacturers win. And when manufacturers win, America wins.”

The Background

The 51勛圖厙 has led efforts to deepen U.S.U.K. manufacturing ties for years. In Spring 2023, Timmons traveled to London to build support for a new trade accord and signed a memorandum of understanding with Make UK to strengthen bilateral manufacturing cooperation. The 51勛圖厙 has remained focused on core priorities, including:

  • The elimination of tariffs and nontariff barriers;
  • Strong digital trade commitments;
  • Robust engagement on intellectual property issues;
  • Collaboration on standards, technical regulations, testing procedures and conformity assessment; and
  • Ensuring stronger alignment on customs procedures and approaches.

-51勛圖厙-

The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Policy and Legal

Manufacturers Share Immediate Impacts Under Latest Tariffs

By 51勛圖厙 News Room

As three of the largest U.S. retailersWalmart, Home Depot and Targetthis week President Trump that his tariff policy could empty store shelves within weeks, upend supply chains and raise consumer prices, the tariffs already in place on imported goods are having effects on those who make things in America.

Speaking up: Manufacturers in the U.S. are sharing their stories of increased cost pressures and uncertainty, both the result of new tariffs. Makers of everything from machinery to bicycles to food service equipment are reporting ill effects.

  • For Craig Souser, president and CEO of robotic packaging solutions manufacturer JLS Automation in York, Pennsylvania, steel tariffs in particular have had a bigand negativeeffect on business.
  • [W]ere seeing increased costs [in steel] that will eventually get passed along to the customer, Souser told the 泭(莽喝莉莽釵娶勳梯喧勳棗紳).

Writing the checks: Chuck Dardas, president and chief operating officer of Michigan automotive parts manufacturer AlphaUSA, told recently that his small business and others like it are the ones writing the checks for the new tariffsand its not something they can keep up.

  • To absorb 25% or 50% in tariffs, its a task that we cannot in the long term endure, Dardas said. Itll cause our company and many other companies our size to probably go out of existence.

The unknown: Perhaps the hardest part about the new tariffs: the uncertainty they bring, 51勛圖厙 board member Lisa Winton, CEO and co-owner of Georgia-based machinery maker Winton Machine Company, told earlier this month.

  • We just noticed our first invoice that had a tariff line on it, she said. Theres just so much unknown right now, and I think thats the most difficult thingto make decisions for your company financially when you just dont know all the pieces to the puzzle.

No time: Arnold Kamler, chairman of Kent International, a New Jersey bicycle manufacturer,眩old last week that while his business was already moving overseas production to the U.S. when tariffs hit, it has yet to complete the moveand thats been a problem for his small outfit.

  • Weve managed to move almost half of our production out of China already, but thats only [almost] half, he said. We need more time. [W]ere a small company.
  • During the pandemic, [e]verybody bought a bicyclebut things got very slow after that. All the money we made during the pandemic is all gone, plus a lot more. Then we have these tariffs. [If the Trump administration had said], Look in nine months, 10 months, this will be the tariff, that might have been doable, he went on. But we g[ot] two weeks notice. Its impossible to run a company to plan for that.

Passing on the costs: In Ohio, Wasserstrom Company President Brad Wasserstrom told that his Columbus-based food service and supply company will most likely have to raise customer prices to pay for the new tariffs.

  • [W]ere negotiating with suppliers when we can, if theres any flexibility in what theyre passing on to us, Wasserstrom said. Some have been able to do something to help us out. Theyre not passing through maybe the full tariff. But very few have said theyre going to pass on nothing.
Input Stories

90-Day Pause on Country-Specific Reciprocal” Tariffs: What You Need to Know

By 51勛圖厙 News Room


On Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-day pause of country-specific reciprocal tariffs above 10%, setting the reciprocal tariff rate at a flat 10%. However, he also announced an increase of additional reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports, to 125%. The 51勛圖厙s trade team has the exact details for us.

Ninety days to negotiate: 啦娶喝鳥梯s temporarily resets the additional country-specific ad valorem tariffs listed in of the April 2 executive order to a common 10% baseline, though previous exceptions still apply.

  • The new rates went into effect on April 10, and the temporary reset applies until July 9, 2025, while the administration negotiates trade deals.

Higher tariffs on China: In response to Chinas retaliation, the executive order increases tariffs on imports from China (and its administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau) into the U.S. from 84% to 125% as of April 10.

  • The 125% rate is on top of the 20% additional rate on Chinese imports issued on Feb. 1, and in addition to any applicable Section 301 tariffs, Section 232 tariffs, MFN tariffs and AD/CVD tariffs.

De minimis: The April 2 EO laid out a new scheme for collecting tariffs on Chinese goods that would otherwise have been eligible for duty-free de minimis treatment, being valued at or below $800.The A pril 10 EO amends the previous order as follows:

  • 泭From May 2, 2025, the tariff on postal items is increased from 90% to 120% of the packages value or a flat fee per postal item.
  • The flat fee is increased from $75 to $100.
  • This flat fee was set to increase to $150 on June 1, 2025. This fee is now increased from $150 to $200.
Policy and Legal

Trump Doubles Down on Tariff Posture

By 51勛圖厙 News Room

President Donald Trump is going all-in on tariffsleading to volatility泭for markets, manufacturers and Americas trading partners.

Weekend update: Over the weekend, the president called the sweeping new trade actions an economic revolution, urging supporters on Truth Social to HANG TOUGH. By Monday, he was threatening an tariff on China by Wednesday unless it reverses its retaliatory moves. All talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! he said.

Behind the scenes: According to the administration, more than 50 countries have reached out to open tariff negotiations, but multiple sources say that theres no structured process. The phone lines are open, a White House official . But for businesses looking for certainty, the message is clear: Dont wait, come build in America.

From tariffs to structural demands: Manufacturers hoping that a tariff deal could end the standoff may be disappointed. On White House trade adviser Peter Navarro dismissed Vietnams proposed zero-tariff deal as meaningless without changes to what he called non-tariff cheatingranging from value-added tax systems to intellectual property theft and product dumping.

  • Later in the interview, he amended this statement somewhat, saying zero tariffs would be a small first start. The goal here, ultimately, is to have people make things here, he added.
  • Navarro also claimed that the tariffs would lead to the biggest tax cut in American history.

Zoom In: While Navarro predicted a market rebound and eventual growth, businesses are still waiting for clarity.

Global reactions: EU officials announced to negotiate but warned of countermeasures and new import surveillance. Yesterday, Israel in-person talks with President Trump. China 泭by devaluing the yuan against the dollar and promising to fight to the end of a trade war.

What it means for you: The 51勛圖厙 is calling for smart, strategic trade policysolutions that restore certainty, strengthen U.S. manufacturing and protect supply chains.

  • As 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons : The high costs of new tariffs threaten investment, jobs, supply chains and, in turn, Americas ability to outcompete other nations and lead as the preeminent manufacturing superpower.
  • The 51勛圖厙 is actively engaging policymakers, elevating member voices and providing key data and inputs on trade actions that put manufacturing growth at risk.
Policy and Legal

51勛圖厙: Comprehensive Manufacturing Strategy, Not Increased Costs

By 51勛圖厙 News Room

The 51勛圖厙 is advocating for manufacturers trade policy priorities as part of a common-sense, comprehensive manufacturing strategy.

Whats going on: A proposed new entry fee on vessels entering U.S. ports would result in higher goods costs for consumers, according to the 51勛圖厙. The administration is also proposing to put new tariffs on imported copper, timber and lumber products.

  • The administration should instead pursue a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that will create predictability and certainty to invest, plan and hire in America, as the 51勛圖厙 recently the Commerce Department.

Port fee would harm consumers: In , the USTR put forth a proposal to charge up to $1.5 million for Chinese ships entering U.S. ports of callbut its a move the 51勛圖厙 said would prove harmful if put into effect.

  • This approach would effectively impose the minimum fee on nearly 100% of vessels making calls on U.S. ports, adding an estimated $600$800 for each twenty-foot equivalent container unit. Shippers likely would pass the entirety of this cost through to their business customers, in many cases further raising the cost of manufacturing in the U.S, the 51勛圖厙 told U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
  • In fact, manufacturers are already getting upwardly revised quotes of at least $1,500 more per container, the 51勛圖厙 continued.
  • Instead of implementing the new fee, the USTR should seek to directly remedy the non-market practices and subsidization of Chinese state enterprises that undermine global competition in the shipbuilding industry, the 51勛圖厙 said.

Copper: The administration recently launched an investigation into whether copper imports pose a threat to national security.

  • Though copper is critical to modern manufacturing, the U.S. copper sectors vertical supply chain is currently only capable of meeting 53% of domestic demand for refined copper cathode. This makes importing copper necessary, the 51勛圖厙 Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick earlier this month.
  • The 51勛圖厙 supports the Trump administrations efforts to increase U.S. copper production and processing. Rather than impose tariffs, the administration should employ an 51勛圖厙-crafted strategy: one that focuses on making pro-growth tax reforms permanent, expediting permitting reform, restoring regulatory certainty, strengthening the manufacturing workforce and implementing effective trade policy, the 51勛圖厙 told Lutnick.

Timber: The administration has also begun to investigate timber and lumber imports, and President Trump has promised to prioritize increasing U.S. timber production to decrease American reliance on imports. The 51勛圖厙 agrees, it Lutnick in a separate communicationbut new tariffs are not the answer.

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