A vast majority of U.S. manufacturing workers, 74 percent, are worried about the impact of tariffs on their jobs and on the U.S. manufacturing sector in general, according to a new poll conducted by SurveyUSA and released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today. The poll also found that many workers are concerned about the lack of support for pro-manufacturing policies from the White House and Congress.

“The equipment manufacturing industry, and U.S. manufacturing overall, is vitally important to American economic prosperity and security, and we need Democrats and Republicans to set aside their differences and work to advance pro-manufacturing policies,”

said Kip Eideberg, senior vice president of industry relations and government affairs for AEM.

“The poll indicates that many of America’s manufacturing workers, which includes the 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry, do not believe they are getting the support they need from our elected officials in Washington. Specifically, there is considerable concern about the ongoing impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing and the chilling impact it has on the industry’s ability to create more family-sustaining jobs. As Americans celebrate Manufacturing Month across the country, now is the time for President Biden and Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work together to advance bipartisan pro-growth, pro-jobs policies that will benefit the men and women who make things in America.”

Out of the 74 percent who are worried about the impact of tariffs on their jobs and on US manufacturing 13 percent say they are very worried, 26 percent say they are worried and 35 percent say they are a little worried. Equipment manufacturers rely on free and fair policies and agreements to grow operations and jobs in America, increase business predictability, and enhance their ability to reach new customers around the world. The Sections 232 and 301 tariffs currently in place are taxes that are paid by American companies, workers, farmers, and consumers. They also significantly raise the costs of production, cause jobs losses for U.S. manufacturers, and undermine America’s global competitiveness.

The poll also found that just 12 percent of U.S. manufacturing workers believe President Joe Biden is doing an excellent job of supporting U.S. manufacturing, but three times as many respondents believe that (37 percent) Biden is doing a poor job. Meanwhile 38 percent of U.S. manufacturing workers say the Republican Party best supports them, while 28 percent say the Democratic Party does. And 15 percent, or one of every seven U.S. manufacturing workers, say neither major political party does.

Finally, the poll asked respondents which current and future trends and opportunities in U.S. manufacturing they are most excited about, with results as following:

1) Competitive wages (59 percent versus 50 percent),

2) Career growth (44 percent versus 45 percent), and

3) Increased safety (30 percent versus 32 percent).

Source: AEM