Indiana Manufacturer Experiences Increased Imports from China Amid Trump's Tariff Promises

WHITESTOWN, Ind. — Indiana manufacturers are preparing for the steep tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump, which are expected to lead to increased prices for consumers.

Westfield Outdoors, an Indianapolis-based company specializing in outdoor products and camping gear, has reported a surge in imports from China as they stock up ahead of Trump's inauguration on January 20. This trend is anticipated to occur at ports across the United States, according to the National Retail Federation.

“While we’re all excited for the hopeful improvement of the economy that’s going to come with this administration, the tariffs are scary,” said Bryan Nelson, COO of Westfield Outdoors.

This week, Trump indicated plans for 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports starting from his first day in office. Nelson noted that Westfield Outdoors expects these tariffs could eventually escalate to 60% on Chinese goods as promised during Trump's campaign. Such increases would likely raise retail prices by at least 25%.

“So, if you’re used to buying a chair for your son’s soccer game that was $29.99 last year, it’s going to be $39.99 now,” Nelson explained. “You’re probably still going to buy it. But if everything goes up that much, your disposable income is going to go down.”

China ranks as Indiana's third-largest import partner, providing approximately $8 billion worth of goods in 2023. However, many essential items cannot be reliably sourced from U.S.-based manufacturers anymore. “The manufacturing that used to be here mid-century is gone,” Nelson remarked.

While retailers might offset losses through increased sales volumes due to higher tariffs, Nelson warns that manufacturers may suffer more if consumer demand drops because customers cannot keep pace with rising costs. He advocates for more targeted tariffs rather than broad ones that could inadvertently harm American companies.

“Instead of using a broad brush, be a little more scalpel-like in what they do to pinpoint where it makes sense instead of just attacking everything,” he stated.

The tariff increases proposed by Trump could impact retail prices as soon as early spring. The National Retail Federation estimates that these tariff proposals might cost Americans up to $78 billion.