In Fall River, Massachusetts, the Matouk factory is incurring an additional $100,000 per month in costs due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, challenging the promised revival of U.S. manufacturing. The high-end bedding manufacturer has faced rising expenses since April, forcing cuts in investments and highlighting broader economic strains.
The Matouk company, a family-owned business founded in 1929 that employs about 300 people, has been significantly impacted by tariffs on imports such as cotton fabric from India and Portugal, as well as down from Liechtenstein. Owner George Matouk reported that these costs have accumulated to over $100,000 monthly, compelling the firm to reduce spending on new equipment and marketing efforts. He emphasized that despite producing American-made goods, the tariffs provide no competitive advantage because they increase production costs, leading to higher consumer prices and potentially lower sales.
This situation reflects a wider trend in the U.S. manufacturing sector, which has seen employment decline by 12,000 jobs in August alone, with business activity contracting. A survey by the Dallas Federal Reserve indicated that 71% of manufacturers are experiencing negative effects from the tariffs, which range from 10% to 50% on most imports. The policies were intended to protect domestic industries but are instead raising costs and hurting profits across the board.
In the same community, Accurate Services, a warehousing and distribution business that once had a larger manufacturing operation, has received increased inquiries for sewing services but has declined them due to hiring difficulties amid immigration crackdowns and uncertainty about sustained demand. Frank Teixeira, who oversees the business, criticized the tariffs as a flawed policy that will ultimately harm the economy, stating that a manufacturing revival is unlikely.
Another local business, Vanson Leathers, which manufactures motorcycle jackets, has seen its costs rise by approximately 15% this year. Owner Mike van der Sleesen, who voted for Trump, expressed concerns about unfair trade practices but noted that demand for his products remains strong, and suppliers are reporting increased activity. He described the changes as dramatic and difficult to predict, highlighting the disruptive nature of the new trade environment.
Despite these challenges, some residents of Fall River, a former textile hub that voted for Trump, remain supportive of the administration’s policies. Retired transit worker Tom Teixeira (no relation to the business owners) believes it will take time for the economy to improve and is willing to wait before judging the outcomes, reflecting a patience among some voters.
The implementation of tariffs nearly nine months into Trump’s term is revealing a disconnect between the administration’s optimistic rhetoric and the practical difficulties faced by businesses. This suggests that the promised manufacturing revival may be more elusive than anticipated, with tariffs raising costs and slowing growth contrary to initial promises.