Tariffs may lift GDP, but Berkshire manufacturers feel the squeeze

Published: Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:00 am

Tariffs' Impact: National Gains vs. Local Pain for Berkshire Manufacturers

While national economic indicators suggest positive growth, some manufacturers in the Berkshire region are grappling with the negative consequences of tariffs. President Trump has highlighted recent Commerce Department data showing a rise in GDP, exports, and consumer spending, attributing this to the effectiveness of tariffs. However, local businesses are reporting increased costs, project delays, and job losses.

Unistress, a precast concrete manufacturer, has experienced significant challenges. CEO Perri Petricca stated that tariffs on imported steel, a crucial component in their products, have driven up prices by at least 25 percent. This has led to project delays and forced the company to lay off over 225 workers, nearly half of its workforce. The company is now prioritizing projects with secured financing and committed customers, hoping to rehire employees as projects resume.

Onyx Specialty Papers, another Berkshire-based manufacturer, is also feeling the pinch. The company has absorbed over $500,000 in tariff-related costs this year due to increased prices on imported raw materials. President Patricia Begrowicz noted that the impact extends beyond imported goods, with domestic suppliers also raising prices, citing tariff-related factors. Both companies have been forced to pass some of these costs onto their customers.

The Trump administration has stated that tariffs aim to strengthen domestic industries and encourage companies to bring manufacturing back to the United States. However, both Unistress and Onyx Specialty Papers have yet to see these benefits materialize. Instead, they are facing increased costs and operational challenges.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation in the Berkshires highlights the complex and often contradictory effects of trade policies. While national economic data may show positive trends, the impact on specific industries and local communities can be significantly negative. Policymakers must carefully consider these localized consequences when implementing tariffs, ensuring that any potential benefits are weighed against the potential for job losses and economic hardship at the local level.

Keywords: tariffs, manufacturing, economy, GDP, jobs, costs, steel, concrete, paper, Unistress, Onyx Specialty Papers, Berkshire, trade, imports, exports, consumer spending, President Trump, Commerce Department, layoffs, prices, domestic suppliers, raw materials

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