Trump Tariffs Hit Massachusetts Businesses, Consumers Hard

President Donald Trump's administration imposed new tariffs on imports from over 80 countries, including 50% markups on Canadian imports and 10-12.5% tariffs on other major trading partners.

The president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), Brooke Thomson, stated that these sweeping tariffs create 'paralyzation' in the economy, as businesses pause due to uncertainty about their impact.

AIM represents over 3,000 business owners in Massachusetts and lobbies for a vibrant state economy. According to Thomson, every one of its members is affected by these tariffs.

One business's contracted work increased by $1 million overnight due to forecasted cost impacts from the tariffs.

Mexico and Canada are among the countries hit by the new tariffs, affecting Massachusetts' close trading relationship with Canada, particularly in lumber and steel for home building, and technology parts.