As the US embarks on a new era of trade policies, small towns like Delta, Ohio are divided over the impact of tariffs. For residents like Mary Miller, the potential benefits of American-made goods outweigh the risks of price increases.
A Divided Community: Tariffs in Ohio’s Industrial Heartland
As the sun sets over the small town of Delta, Ohio, it’s hard not to notice the prevalence of Trump flags and banners. This is Trump country, where the Republican ticket won by a margin of almost two-to-one in November’s presidential election. Despite the markets’ turmoil following President Trump‘s unveiling of expansive global tariffs, many residents of Delta and similar Midwestern towns remain loyal to his plans.
For Mary Miller, manager of the Delta Candy Emporium, the president’s argument about fairness resonates. She believes other countries haven’t played fair on trade and prefers to buy American-made goods. When asked how she might be impacted by fresh import taxes, Miller responds with a philosophical tone: ‘Sometimes you have to walk through fire to get to the other side.’ If tariffs bring companies and business back to hard-working Americans like those in Delta, then it’s worth it.
Mary Miller is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 17th congressional district since 2019.
She won the special election on March 20, 2019, to fill the seat left vacant by Randy Hultgren.
Born in 1955 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Miller earned a degree from Southern Illinois University and worked as a teacher before entering politics.
Miller is not alone in her sentiments. In Delta, many residents are unfazed by the possibility of price increases, which economists say will bring. Instead, they see the potential benefits of a new era of American protectionism. The automotive industry, with its complicated global supply chains, seems particularly vulnerable to the impact of major new tariffs. However, local steel businesses, such as North Star BlueScope, may be better placed in this new landscape.
Protectionist policies in the United States have a long history, dating back to the early 19th century.
The Tariff Act of 1816 imposed taxes on imported goods to protect domestic industries.
In recent years, President Trump's administration implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from various countries, citing national security concerns.
According to the US Census Bureau, trade deficits have been a persistent issue, with the country experiencing a deficit of over $500 billion in 2020.
Protectionist policies aim to shield American businesses from foreign competition, but critics argue they can lead to retaliatory measures and harm global economic growth.
North Star BlueScope has urged Trump to expand tariffs on steel and aluminium, while asking for an exemption for raw materials like scrap metal. The workers at the nearby Barn Restaurant, who recently finished their night shift, seem unphased by the sweeping new tariffs. ‘Nobody’s frantic,’ says Gene Burkholder. ‘We’re not going to lose any sleep over it.’
As the community weighs the potential impact of Trump‘s tariff plan, some residents are more cautious. Louise Gilson, a local diner, expresses her skepticism about the president, but agrees that he is trying to take action. The big local industrial employers have generally been good neighbours, contributing to the local economy and charities.
However, there is a sense of unease among many in Delta. Rob Gilson recalls his hometown as a safer and more friendly place to grow up. ‘It seems like the heart of America is gone,’ he says. The challenges faced by people in towns like Delta may go some way to explaining why many are willing to give President Trump the benefit of the doubt, even as markets plunge on faraway Wall Street.
Delta Air Lines reported a $157 million loss in revenue due to the US-China trade war.
The airline's cargo business was heavily affected, with a decline in international cargo shipments by 12% in 2019.
Additionally, higher fuel costs and decreased demand for air travel contributed to Delta's financial losses.
In response, the airline reduced capacity and adjusted its route network to mitigate the effects of Trump's tariffs.
As the community navigates this uncertain economic landscape, one thing is clear: the impact of Trump‘s tariffs will be felt for a long time. For now, residents of Delta and similar towns are left to wonder whether the benefits of protectionism outweigh the risks.
