Update on Initial U.S., Canada, and Mexico Tariffs

20 March 2025

Sent by Jason Tolleson, HPBA Government Affairs:

HPBA focus was on the impact to our manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately the consumers, who may delay purchasing products due to price increases or economic uncertainty. Much like other industry associations, we had to walk a delicate line, as some of the regulatory changes made by the Administration—especially regarding gas products and the DOE—have been very positive.

Since then, there have been many moving parts with the on-again, off-again tariffs, statements, tweets, and more. I will say that, in my meetings with House and Senate staff, they have expressed feeling as though they are along for the ride just as much as all the external stakeholders. Additionally, earlier this month, I participated in joint meetings in D.C. with Mike McNeice from HPBAC and federal and provincial representatives from Canada. While they were very receptive and appreciated the insight into our industry, they, too, are struggling to keep up with the moving targets on reaching an agreement with the White House. I don’t believe the full picture of the steel and aluminum tariffs, reciprocal tariffs, and potential stacking tariffs will be fully realized until the next announced deadline of April 2.

I (Jason) will be presenting a brief update on the tariff situation during the retailer update meeting at Expo (Friday, 2:30-3:30pm, Exhibit Hall Classroom #1). I’ll share the most current information and discuss potential next steps for the industry.

-Jason Tolleson, HPBA Government Affairs

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