Manufacturing Policy Recommendations for President-Elect Trump

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.

The Economy

Trade, Regulations, Outsourcing, Forecasting: The Issues Shaping the Election for Industrial Products Companies

Nov. 4, 2024

Companies & Executives

How Stanley Black & Decker Would Deal with New Trump Tariffs

Oct. 30, 2024

Public Policy

How Big Should a President Go on Manufacturing Policy?

Oct. 28, 2024

electiontrumpharrisdreamstime_l_327432414

The Economy

Trump Wants More Tariffs. Is That a Good Idea for US Manufacturing?

Oct. 24, 2024

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.

All of the Above Energy

Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Tim Tarpley

EWTC appreciates President Trump’s commitment to energy production in the United States and we look forward to working together with him and his administration on removing barriers to access federal leasing both onshore and offshore, sensible environmental regulations, ending the LNG pause and quickly passing legislation that will reform and expedite the permitting process in our country. These actions will allow our sector to meet the growing energy demand our country will face in the coming years.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was rocket fuel for manufacturers. The legislation increased wages, helped us hire and make tremendous investments in our businesses and communities, giving us the certainty we needed to kickstart the manufacturing resurgence we have seen in recent years. Efforts to modernize permitting processes, unleash American energy and relieve backlogs of pipeline projects helped make us energy independent and provide needed resources for allies around the world.

But we are facing monumental headwinds today, and sector optimism is at its lowest levels in years. The cost of business continues to increase. From health care to looming tax hikes, and aggressive agency overreach, the policies of today are keeping shovels out of the ground. We believe that we can build on the successes of our previous work together to roll back burdensome regulations, unleash American energy security, power the economy of the future with an all-of-the-above energy strategy and restore the dignity of manufacturing work.

More than 600 business leaders joined the NAM in signing a letter, which was released publicly on Election Day, to the next president stating, “We believe in an exceptional America, and that our future is strongest when we are united … This moment is critical for the millions of workers and communities who rely on our success. A strong manufacturing economy is essential to our national security, economic resilience and continued prosperity. We must restore confidence in the future and in the economic systems that have long driven opportunity and innovation, so that American families and businesses can thrive in a united and forward-looking nation.”

With competitive taxes, sensible regulation and unleashed American energy, manufacturers are ready to win big. We are prepared to work closely with you and your new administration to build a future where our workers thrive and American leadership remains second to none.

Regulatory Relief, AI

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark

With the election behind us, it is time to focus on the important work of advancing an economic growth agenda that creates opportunities for businesses, families and individuals to achieve the American dream. We look forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and Republicans and Democrats in Congress to preserve pro-growth tax policies, bring regulatory relief to business, harness the power of AI to drive American innovation, and expand an all-of-the-above energy production policy.

Work Together

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) President & CEO Brian P. McGuire

Our country stands at a crossroads where bipartisan cooperation is not just necessary—it is essential. We must rise above gridlock and inaction. Together, Republicans and Democrats have the responsibility to maintain a tax code that fosters growth, to invest in our infrastructure and rural communities and maintaining and nurturing the next generation of skilled workers who will shape our future.

The prosperity of the United States depends on these commitments, and AED members are ready to play a key role in building, feeding, and fueling the country. Now is the time for our elected leaders to set aside partisan divides, prioritize these critical issues, and work hand in hand for the success and future of our nation."

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.

Partnering Government with Industry

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning

Our nation’s greatest achievements – from putting man on the moon to breaking the sound barrier – are the result of the powerful alliance between industry and government. As we embark on a new chapter in our history, we look forward to collaborating closely with the new administration and 119th Congress to enhance this partnership.

In the face of geopolitical turbulence and strong economic headwinds, our priorities remain steadfast: supporting American leadership in aerospace and defense; igniting innovation and job creation; and strengthening our national security. Together, we will reach new heights.

We’ve said all along that no matter who is in the White House, our fight remains the same. The fight to fix our broken trade laws like the USMCA continues. The fight for good union jobs and U.S. leadership in the emerging battery industry continues. The fight for a secure retirement for everyone in this country continues. The fight for a living wage, affordable health care, and time for our families continues.

It's time for Washington, DC to put up or shut up, no matter the party, no matter the candidate. Will our government stand with the working class, or keep doing the bidding of the billionaires? That’s the question we face today. And that’s the question we’ll face tomorrow. The answer lies with us. No matter who’s in office.

If that’s the question you’re asking today, no matter who you voted for.

Cementing Gains

Portland Cement Association President and CEO Mike Ireland

PCA is eager to work with the incoming Administration to create market‐based policies and initiatives that will enable the cement and concrete industry’s continued reduction of its carbon footprint while preserving its global competitiveness.

This industry takes pride in fortifying the actual building blocks of America’s infrastructure, which allows all Americans to lead productive lives, every single day. We ask that the Administration assist us in continuing to gain ground in decarbonization efforts by addressing the regulatory burdens hindering our industry’s progress in the utilization of alternative fuels, the development of lower-carbon cements and the implementation of essential carbon capture technology.

Be Mindful of the Supply Chain

Cold Chain Alliance President and CEO Sara Stickler

We look forward to working with the new administration and congressional leadership to promote the continued growth of a resilient, innovative and efficient cold supply chain for consumers and communities across the United States of America and globally.

We look forward to continuing our work across all branches of government to promote common sense, consistent and pro-enterprise policies that enable cold chain businesses to deliver for their customers.

We are also committed to promoting the growth of exports from U.S.-based food production and broader manufacturing sectors. We will engage constructively in the policy discussion about future trade policy and continue to make the case for the importance of maintaining balanced and resilient trade routes for food and other temperature-controlled products across the world.

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.”