NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — President Donald Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum have been felt by many Middle Tennessee businesses and consumers — especially by businesses that export and import steel to Canada.
“It’s kind of increased our business,” owner of Bennett Industries of Tennessee, Matthew Billings, said. “That drove a lot more opportunities.”
Some businesses have benefitted from the tariffs. Billings and other Middle Tennesse businesses have decided to buy from American steel companies, so they would not have to pay any tariff.
“We’ve been able to purchase more equipment and actually add more employees,” Billings said. “We went to seven days a week and added additional shifts.”
Billings has seen more companies invest in U.S.-made steel to not have to pay a tariff. He’s also worked with other companies to have good relationships to keep their business.
“Steel prices are increasing ever so slightly,” Billings said. “Long-term, I think it’s going to help us.”
However, several companies reported that some U.S. companies are facing higher prices from American steel and aluminum businesses.
During the research for this story, News 2 reached out to more than two dozen metal fabricators and suppliers across the mid-state for comment. The majority of these businesses declined interviews, with a few companies not wanting to speak on the issue over fear of retaliation to their business.
