President Donald Trump continues to pursue tariffs on U.S. trade partners, citing national security concerns and a desire to decrease reliance on international goods. 

In February, Trump announced he’s levying a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports with “Melt and Pour” and “Smelt and Cast” standards, which aims to prevent countries from sending unfinished goods to Mexico or Canada where they are finished and relabeled to avoid tariffs. 

Along with other recent tariffs, the impact has yet to be fully felt by the American consumer. In a recent American Farriers Journal poll, 26% of respondents predicted a significant increase on the cost of steel and aluminum goods in the next year. Another 35% expect a moderate increase, while 31% foresee a mild increase. With this in mind, 79% of respondents are preparing for a medium-to-high impact on their business, meaning they would increase prices and/or implement cost-saving measures. 

Trump announced on April 9 there would be a 90-day pause on tariffs and a lowered 10% reciprocal tariff, while raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. AFJ will continue to keep readers informed at AmericanFarriers.com as more updates become available. 

Passing It On

Farriers note that any increase in the costs of bar stock, keg shoes, aluminum goods or equipment such as rigs, tools and other supplies will be passed on to the customer. 

“If we are charged higher prices as supply shop owners, we have to pass them on to our customers, and then the farriers have to pass…