What will a second Donald J. Trump presidency mean for manufacturing? It’s a question we’ve asked several times in recent weeks, and that future will depend on a long list of policy decisions to come in January as the former president returns to office along with a new Congress.
However, manufacturing advocacy groups have a lot of suggestions for the president elect. Several organizations called for a collaborative, bi-partisan approach to supporting manufacturing in 2025 and beyond (both major party candidates announced strong support for reshoring of manufacturing, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have supported recent legislation such as the CHIPS Act to invest in U.S.-produced semiconductors).
Most of the congratulatory announcements encouraged Trump and the incoming Congress to create a positive tax and regulatory environment that would foster manufacturing growth.
The following are thoughts shared by several groups.
Restore Optimism!
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons
Every election represents a new beginning, providing a fresh opportunity to work with and for all Americans, no matter their political affiliation, and to recommit ourselves to the American experiment. President-elect Trump, we have worked with you during your time in office to enact historic wins for the 13 million people who make things in America, to drive increased investment in the sector, create jobs and provide for communities across the country. Now it’s time to get to work to address the policies that will define your administration.
Join a Union
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain
UAW members around the country clocked in today under the same threat they faced yesterday: unchecked corporate greed destroying our lives, our families and our communities. It’s the threat of companies like Stellantis, Mack Truck and John Deere shipping jobs overseas to boost shareholder profits. It’s the threat of corporate America telling the working class to sit down and shut up.
End of Globalist Free-Trade ERA
The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) (a non-profit organization that commented in earlier IndustryWeek election articles)
With a renewed mandate, a second Trump administration has the opportunity to drive transformative changes in trade, tax, and industrial policy to secure a stronger, more resilient U.S. economy.
As the nation turns a new page, we are entering an era of economic policies that will focus on reshoring production, addressing trade imbalances and building robust American industries that can stand independent of adversarial powers, particularly China. CPA has long been at the forefront of these issues, advocating for policies that support domestic manufacturing, reduce our economic vulnerability, and restore economic strength to working Americans.
“CPA will be working closely with President-Elect Trump’s team to craft policies that will make a lasting impact on U.S. trade and industrial policy,” said Zach Mottl, chairman of CPA.
During his first term, President-Elect Trump implemented landmark trade policies, such as Section 301 tariffs on China, that CPA strongly supported as key steps in addressing China’s predatory trade practices. We look forward to building on these policies in his second term and working with former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and other key advisors to implement policies that will keep our economy strong, independent, and resilient.
The next four years offer a critical window for reinforcing America’s manufacturing base, securing supply chains, and reclaiming U.S. economic independence. CPA is committed to continuing its role as a trusted advisor and key partner to the incoming administration, advocating for policies that prioritize American workers, manufacturers, and communities.
“The globalist, free-trade era was a bipartisan mistake, costing American jobs and hollowing out U.S. industry—a reality now recognized across the political spectrum,” said Michael Stumo, CEO of CPA. “For years, many Democrats opposed those misguided trade policies, and the Biden administration recently acknowledged the end of the globalist era. While Democrats may be disappointed by this election outcome, we are eager to collaborate with leaders from both parties to build a new bipartisan consensus around American economic patriotism. Together, we can forge a future that prioritizes U.S. workers, strengthens our industries, and secures our nation’s prosperity and resilience.”
