Kentucky Businesses Pay Price for Trump-Era Tariffs
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky’s Monster Rings and Cages, a manufacturer of boxing and MMA equipment, is experiencing rising steel costs due to tariffs. While owner Mike Samples supports the tariffs’ intent to boost domestic manufacturing, he notes that prices for both US and imported steel have increased significantly, impacting his business. This price increase is attributed by the Cato Institute to reduced competition, allowing domestic producers to raise prices despite low demand. Although some manufacturers hope tariffs will eventually improve competitiveness, the current economic climate is causing uncertainty and potential hardship.
John Q. Hosedrinker