This pure BS.
- First off, the Tarriffs are in effect as of June 1: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/232-tariffs-aluminum-and-steel
- Second, the Tariffs have created a shortage, which heavily drives up the cost of Steel and Aluminum, because production (the more expensive production at that) can't meet demand - caselabs clearly mentions this.
- Caselabs is a subsidiary of a company that creates military grade enclosures. A scenario in which the company is creating enclosures for a foreign military under a large contract, whom then cancels the procurement due to political fallout, is easy to see sinking a smaller company. Many companies that work for large contracts need those large contracts to succeed in order to survive.
- If you know anything about economics and comparative advantages, these tariffs make no sense. Saying "getting products at prices that aren't actually viable" is a blatant lie when the only reason they're not viable is because of artificial inflation from tariffs. Otherwise the price point is actually viable. Making products more expensive because you feel like it isn't a smart economic policy.
- You are right that this isn't going to be the end. I know another family business that is seeing over a 20% increase in their product, producing stadium seating, thanks to these tariffs. Not to mention their production includes a lot of injection molding, thus the increase in steel is effecting the entire product my more than "just the 25% increase". This is for domestic sales too, for international sales they're seeing an even greater increase. As materials need imported, then products need exported. All of which are under tariff now. If nothing else, there's going to be a new wave of production leaving the US because of these tariffs.
TLDR, supporting stupid economic policies is stupid.
