Business · Trade · 13 hrs ago
US manufacturers say tariffs and Iran war costs are hurting business
Some US manufacturers say President Donald Trump's trade policies and the war in Iran have made it more expensive to run their businesses.
Doug Rende, who makes aluminum doors, railings and barriers, says tariffs on imported aluminum have cost his company $4.5 million to $5 million this year.
Higher fuel prices have also added $6,500 to the cost of each shipping container he receives.
Rende says the extra costs have reduced sales after his company raised prices, as customers have limits on what they can pay.
Another Ohio manufacturer says a Supreme Court decision that struck down many tariffs allowed his business to receive some refunds, but new tariffs and strained relations with Canada have delayed plans to open a distribution center there.
A regional business leader says the policies are hurting some of the roughly 3,000 companies he represents, with some losing customers or cutting activity.
These business pressures could affect voters' views ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, and Democrats hope to make them an issue.
US manufacturers say tariffs and the Iran war have raised costs and hurt their businesses.
Aluminum-products maker Doug Rende says he has lost $4.5 million to $5 million this year because of tariffs.
Rende says each shipping container now costs him an additional $6,500 because of fuel prices.
Some manufacturers say higher costs have led to lower sales, lost customers or delayed plans.
The economic pressures are emerging less than a month before the US midterm elections on November 3.
- Who
- US manufacturers, including Doug Rende and Sam Miller, say costs are hurting their businesses.
- What
- Tariffs and higher fuel costs linked to the Iran war are raising business expenses.
- When
- The report was published on October 11, 2026; the midterm elections are scheduled for November 3.
- Where
- The United States, including Ohio.
- Why
- Tariffs on imported materials and higher fuel costs have increased expenses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The consumer has limits on the prices they are willing to accept.
I think this will push people away from the Republicans.
Overall, the impact is negative for the roughly 3,000 businesses we represent.
The United States began imposing tariffs on imported aluminum.
Rende says he has lost $4.5 million to $5 million because of tariffs.
Fuel prices rose, adding $6,500 to the cost of each container shipped to Rende.
BFM Business published its report on manufacturers' costs.
US midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Aluminum tariff
- Rose from 10% to 25%, then to 50%
- Rende's losses
- $4.5 million to $5 million this year
- Added shipping cost
- $6,500 per container
- Businesses represented by Coviello
- Roughly 3,000
- Midterm election date
- November 3
Sources
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