WASHINGTON — President Trump's trade policies, particularly the 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, are creating a political liability for Republican candidates in industrial states. Manufacturers face higher raw material costs, eroding profit margins and pushing consumer prices up.
The tariffs, initially aimed at protecting U.S. steel producers, have driven up input costs for industries like automotive and construction. The American Iron and Steel Institute spent $3.1 million in 2025 lobbying for continued trade protections, according to federal filings.
Retail and manufacturing groups representing companies that import components are intensifying their lobbying against the duties. The National Retail Federation said its members saw a 1.8 percent increase in goods costs last quarter due to tariffs—a burden passed to shoppers.
In swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where manufacturing jobs are central, the tariffs put GOP incumbents in a bind. Voters face higher prices for appliances and cars, dampening support for the administration's trade stance.
Republican strategists warn the trade policies could depress turnout among moderate voters, especially in suburban districts. The administration has shown no indication of rolling back the tariffs before November, maintaining a hard line on trade with China and other nations.
