Tariffs, millions in extra costs, Iran war: Trump’s policies hammer US firms

‘Frustrating would be one word,’ a CEO says, as US manufacturers struggle with ballooning costs and persistent uncertainty

For Doug Rende, who runs an aluminium product manufacturer in the US state of Ohio, President Donald Trump’s tariffs have meant millions of dollars more in annual costs – and recently, the Iran war has made shipments even more expensive.

Rende is CEO at Shapes Unlimited, one of many American producers smarting from Trump’s economic policies as the midterm election approaches.

“Frustrating would be one word,” Rende said.

“And I think that we’re sensing a lack of trust in not only the administration but the governmental process, the role of Congress to rein in executive power,” he added.