Journal & Topics Media Group

Wheeling Industrial Businesses Brace For Trade War Impact


It’s hard to tell how new tariffs instituted by the U.S. and China July 6 will impact Wheeling businesses, but village Economic Development Director John Melaniphy said many companies in Wheeling’s industrial sector could feel the effects of the new “trade war” taxes.

Overall, Wheeling has 14 million sq. ft. of manufacturing facilities in its industrial areas.

“There’s quite a few that are going to be affected,” Melaniphy said. Businesses that export and import goods could be particularly vulnerable to the changes.

So far, the U.S. has established 25 percent tariffs on $34 billion of goods from China, including vehicles, technology and industrial machinery. In response, China developed tariffs on many foods and beverages from the U.S.

To determine how the new expenses might hit Wheeling, Melaniphy recently spoke with local business owners in the packaged food and metals industries, both of which are well represented in the village. He said the tariffs have already led some businesses to avoid speculative buying.

“No one wants to get stuck with a lot of inventory they paid too much for,” said Melaniphy.

Going forward, the tariffs also have the potential to increase prices for consumers as the cost of raw materials goes up. Additionally, if local markets tighten up, delivery delays could follow.

“Every day we’re trying to understand how this will work out,” Melaniphy said. “We’re trying to be very proactive.”

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