American manufacturers are suddenly seeing a flood of new orders after former President Donald Trump announced sharp new tariffs on Chinese goods.
The move, which includes a massive 145% import tax on Chinese products, is already having a serious impact. More and more U.S. companies are turning away from China and bringing their business back home. And that’s giving a massive boost to small and medium-sized American manufacturers—many of whom are now working round the clock to keep up with demand.
One such company is Jergens Inc., a toolmaking firm in the American Midwest with fewer than 500 employees. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is “going like gangbusters,” struggling to handle the surge of orders from buyers who want to avoid the high costs of Chinese imports.
“We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Jack Schron, president of Jergens. “We are swamped.”
Why Are Orders Coming Back to the U.S.?
The answer is simple: money. With Trump’s high tariffs, importing goods from China has become far more expensive. Companies that used to rely on low-cost Chinese manufacturers are now finding it cheaper—or at least more reliable—to make their products in the U.S. again.
This shift is happening quickly and is impacting all kinds of industries, from plastics to medical supplies to oil filters.
Take Grand River Rubber & Plastics, a company based in Ohio. The Journal reported that two of its former customers—who had left for China years ago—returned within just a few days of each other after the new tariffs were announced. Two brand new clients also joined in, placing large orders that could bring in an extra $5 million in yearly revenue for the company—about 10% of their current total.
That kind of growth is rare and exciting, especially in the world of U.S. manufacturing, which has faced decades of decline due to outsourcing.
Trump’s Promise: Jobs, Factories, and Lower Prices
At a major trade event in April 2025, Trump held up a chart and laid out his plan: raise tariffs on China, protect U.S. businesses, and bring manufacturing back home.
“Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country, and you see it happening already,” he said. “We will supercharge our domestic industrial base.”
He also promised that more production in America would lead to stronger competition and lower prices for everyday consumers.
That promise is being put to the test now.
Some Experts Are Skeptical
Not everyone agrees with Trump’s prediction. Many economists say the tariffs could raise prices for American consumers, at least in the short term. That’s because companies still need raw materials, machinery, and parts—many of which come from overseas—and now those items are more expensive too.
CNBC reported that electronics, clothing, and even basic grocery items could become costlier. If businesses pass those higher costs to customers, it could hurt the average American’s wallet.
But some manufacturers say the opposite is already happening.
SafeSource Direct: Proving That “Made in America” Can Compete
One strong example comes from SafeSource Direct, a Louisiana-based company that makes rubber gloves and other medical supplies.
According to the Journal, SafeSource recently expanded its factory operations from two production lines to eight, and each line now produces over 20,000 rubber gloves per hour. That’s a huge scale-up—and the company says it’s already cutting costs.
“We think we can get extremely close to Asian prices,” said Steve Mott, a partner at SafeSource.
As their production process becomes more efficient, the company believes it can keep prices affordable for hospitals and healthcare providers—all while keeping jobs in America.
Smaller Manufacturers Moving Fast—and Hiring
While big corporations often take longer to shift operations, smaller businesses are jumping in quickly.
These companies tend to be more agile. They can accept new orders, scale up faster, and make quick decisions about hiring. For many of them, the recent tariff shift feels like a second chance after years of competing with lower-priced imports from Asia.
Jergens, Grand River, and many others are already planning to hire more workers, run extra shifts, and even invest in new machinery to meet demand.
In areas like Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—once industrial powerhouses that lost thousands of jobs due to outsourcing—this boost is being welcomed with open arms.
Could This Be the Start of a Long-Term Trend?
Trump and his supporters say this is only the beginning. They believe more companies will stop depending on China, and that American factories will grow stronger and more competitive over time.
But others are more cautious. They point out that reshoring (bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.) comes with its own challenges: high labor costs, supply shortages, and environmental regulations.
If U.S. companies can’t maintain price and quality, customers may look elsewhere again once the tariffs expire or change.
Still, for now, it’s clear that a major shift is happening.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
The sudden jump in American orders also lines up with a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing. Some Chinese factories are struggling with lower demand, higher costs, and growing political tensions with the U.S. That’s creating a perfect window of opportunity for U.S. manufacturers.
It’s not just about money—it’s about supply chain stability. After years of dealing with COVID-related disruptions and global delays, many companies are now rethinking the risks of offshoring. Being closer to home is starting to look like a smart strategy.
What This Means for the Future
If American factories can keep up this momentum, it could mean:
- More jobs in local communities
- Stronger small businesses
- Less dependency on foreign suppliers
- Potential price stability as domestic supply grows
On the flip side, if inflation rises or global demand falls, the manufacturing boom could slow down again.
For now, though, the scene is optimistic. American factories are buzzing, workers are clocking in for overtime, and new orders are pouring in.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
