Kentucky businesses are feeling the pinch as President Donald Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs take effect. Monster Rings and Cages, a company that manufactures boxing rings and cages for sports, is one of those businesses.
Owner Mike Samples proudly puts the “Made in the USA” stamp on his products, which are made from US suppliers. However, when samples’ supplier recently raised prices by 20% to $0.75 per pound, he had to absorb the cost.
Samples believes the tariffs will help him compete against foreign companies and create new jobs, but he’s concerned about the price hike. “If steel goes to $2 a pound, I’ll call you and tell you come watch my suicide,” he joked.
Tariffs are also affecting local aluminum businesses. Debra Dudley, owner of Oscarware, which makes grill accessories, hopes to use tariffs as a competitive edge against cheaper Chinese imports. However, her supplier told her that next time she orders US-made aluminum, prices will be higher.
Researcher Clark Packard from the Cato Institute says US metal makers are raising prices because they can. “It’s a matter of competition,” he said. “The tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum give domestic producers a green light to raise their own prices.”
Packard is skeptical about the long-term effects of the tariffs, saying it’s hard to invest when it’s uncertain. However, Samples believes the tariffs will be worth it if they help bring back manufacturing.
As Canadian aluminum tariffs were one of Kentucky’s biggest imports in 2024, some are worried about the impact on local businesses.
Source: https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-03-14/tariffs-raising-u-s-steel-aluminum-prices-on-kentucky-businesses