February 11, 2025 Small and Midsize Manufacturers Divided Over U.S. Tariffs

A new survey by the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) reveals both support and opposition for tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

SCHAUMBURG, IL – A new survey by the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) finds small and midsize manufacturers split over imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. As organizations put out statements supporting or opposing tariffs, TMA spoke to their members to see where manufacturers actually stand on this trade policy.

Out of 167 small and midsize manufacturers who participated in the survey, 49% support imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, while 40% oppose the tariffs.

“This split, combined with 11% of members being undecided, shows the need for more dialogue and solutions because our members are on both sides of the issue,” Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb tells Industry Today. “Those supportive of the tariffs want to see a growth in American-made products and jobs, while those opposed to the tariffs are more reliant on the global supply chain. We have to work with our political leaders to come up with solutions that help our national economy while making it possible for our small and midsize manufacturers to thrive.”

Recently Congressman Darin LaHood joined TMA for a legislative briefing where he provided members with insight on what to expect and how tariffs can be used effectively, stating, “…look at this as a balanced approach when it comes to tariffs—that tariffs can be implemented again in a targeted way but you have to also do that in concert with tax reform, bringing down taxes, making sure we’re helping our small and medium sized businesses with an R&D tax credit, 100% bonus depreciation, 20% pass-through. Those things help so we have to have that.”

About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association exclusively funded by industry and solely focused on small and midsize manufacturers. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.

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