The United States re-elected Donald Trump as president on Tuesday, with the Republican nominee defeating current Vice President Kamala Harris four years after losing his first re-election bid.
Although the supply chain was not the primary focal point of either Trump or Harris’ platform, each candidate expressed diverging philosophies and plans about tariffs, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and more throughout the election cycle.
With the election now over, supply chain executives across the country are looking ahead to the potential impact of the new administration.
Below are excerpts from industry leaders on what Trump's re-election could mean for supply chains.
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons
“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.
“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.”
National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay
“Effective trade policies will increase America’s competitive advantages in research, development and innovation and will protect strategically critical infrastructure while increasing the standard of living and quality of life for all Americans. However, the adoption of across-the-board tariffs on consumer goods and other non-strategic imports amounts to a tax on American families. It will drive inflation and price increases and will result in job losses.
“The retail industry stands ready to work with President-elect Trump and Congress to enact tax, trade and regulatory policies that make America more competitive, increase domestic investment and create jobs.”
Retail Industry Leaders Association President Brian Dodge
"Inflation was clearly a motivating factor in yesterday’s election results, with many middle-class voters expressing deep concern about the impact inflation has had on family budgets. Policymakers should hear their concerns loud and clear as debates on taxes and tariffs take center stage. Retailers are hopeful the incoming Trump Administration and Congress take a strategic approach to international trade, with policies that shield families from higher prices on consumer goods.
“Decisions made over the next four years will dictate how leading retailers operate, invest in their workforce and local communities, and drive billions in supply chain investments and economic development. We understand the challenges communities are facing and are eager to partner with federal and local leaders to solve problems.”
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear
"President Trump made trucking a priority throughout his first term and partnered with us to enact policies that strengthened the supply chain, grew the economy, and delivered for all Americans. His second term offers an historic opportunity to build upon that record and show why the best approach to governing is one paved by common sense. That begins by replacing EPA's electric-truck rule with national emission standards that are technologically achievable and account for the operational realities of our essential industry.
"With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire next year, ATA stands ready to work across the aisle on Capitol Hill to achieve pro-growth tax reform, including repealing the century-old, punitive federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers that penalizes our industry for investing in newer, cleaner, and safer equipment.”
National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kimberly Glas
“We look forward to working with President Trump and the Trump administration.
“Our industry has lost 21 manufacturing facilities over the last 18 months. Manufacturing companies that survived the Great Depression and Great Recession and COVID haven't survived this economic downturn. So the first and the most important priority for our industry and workforce is to help stabilize this critical and vital sector to the U.S. economy. So that means everything from trade policy to procurement to regulatory policy.
“We have many issues on the front burner in terms of our agenda, as well as on tax policy. So we plan on being active with this administration. We have familiarity with the Trump administration, having worked with them in the past, and we will advocate on behalf of our members to help stabilize and expand and grow this industrial base.”
National Air Transportation Association President and CEO Curt Castagna
“NATA looks forward to partnering with the new Administration to advance issues important to both aviation businesses and to our nation, including the deployment of emerging advanced aviation technologies and the modernization of our National Airspace System.
“Business aviation has a proven record of providing valuable air transportation and critical public benefits to communities across the country, and President-elect Trump has a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance these vital transportation services provided by NATA's aviation business members. We look forward to meeting with the transition team to discuss these and other areas where we can work together to strengthen the American economy, demonstrate global leadership in aviation safety, and safeguard the NAS.”
E2 Executive Director Bob Keefe
“The people have chosen Donald Trump to bring our country together after this highly contentious election. With America at the advent of an economic revolution powered by the unprecedented recent growth in clean energy, he has the chance to continue making America more competitive, rebuilding our manufacturing industry and strengthening our economy.
“Now is the time to put politics and partisanship aside, and work together to continue building on the record clean energy investments, jobs and economic opportunities flowing to Republican and Democratic states alike.”
Association of Equipment Manufacturers President Megan Tanel
“AEM’s focus continues to be on policy – not politics. We look forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle to advance pro-manufacturing tax policies, strengthen rural America, ease regulatory burdens, negotiate new trade agreements, and solve the immigration crisis. Together, we can advance a policy agenda that helps equipment manufacturers create jobs, invest in their communities, and build equipment that makes life better for everyone.”
American Apparel & Footwear Association President and CEO Steve Lamar
“Tariff policy under the new Administration will indeed be a challenge and will trigger new inflationary cycles if campaign proposals are fully enacted, making it more expensive for Americans to get dressed every day. We have seen firsthand the negative impact of tariffs ever since the tariffs imposed under the Tariff Act of 1930 helped create the Great Depression. The Section 301 tariffs that took hold in 2018 under President Trump's first term have also remained in place, driving 40-year high inflation for clothes and shoes.
"We will continue to push Congress and the Administration to renew expired and expiring programs, such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and the Haiti HELP/HOPE preference program. Immediate and long-term renewal of these measures, combined with a revived trade agreement program, will create predictable opportunities for our industry to diversify and invest, creating American jobs and supporting the provision of affordable and sustainable fashion for American families.”
American Association of Port Authorities President and CEO Cary S. Davis
“Ports have always and will continue serving our country by delivering the goods, cargo, and cruise passengers necessary for a growing and vibrant economy in the global marketplace. AAPA looks forward to working closely with our Federal Government partners to get shovels in the ground faster, continue rebuilding our critical infrastructure, and strengthen the resiliency of our nation’s ports over the next four years.”
Consumer Brands Association VP of Federal Affairs Sarah Gallo
“As an industry that Americans trust and rely on every day, supporting over 22.3 million good-paying jobs across the nation, we look forward to partnering with President-elect Trump's Administration and Congress to advance policies that drive economic growth, foster innovation and are backed by science to ensure continued access to safe, affordable, high-quality consumer product choices.
“In this challenging economic climate, where inflation continues to strain household budgets, it's critical that policymakers avoid implementing measures that could create unnecessary barriers or costs. Such policies would disproportionately impact those Americans already struggling to make ends meet.”
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul
“We hope that American manufacturing jobs will be a priority for the Trump-Vance administration in 2025 and beyond. That means a continued strategic application of tariffs; smart investments in industry, innovation, and infrastructure; expanding Buy America procurement policies and tax rules to spur domestic production; and boosting apprenticeships and worker training programs.”
Editor’s note: Kimberly Glas’ statement was provided in an interview with Fashion Dive sister publication Supply Chain Dive and has been edited for clarity and brevity.
