ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As lawmakers prepare for President Trump’s State of the Union address, a local business owner is highlighting the struggles faced by small businesses in the Rochester area due to tariffs.
Ben Pearson, CEO of Eisco LLC in Honeoye Falls, shared his concerns with News10NBC’s Adelisa Badzic. Eisco LLC., designs, manufactures, and distributes scientific equipment globally. That includes but not limited to, chemical wash bottles, graduated cylinders, beakers, etc.
Pearson explained that when tariffs were first imposed, the company faced a 50% tariff on most of its goods, leading to $1 million in unexpected costs. This forced the company to cut 20% of its staff and raise prices and caused a negative Q4 profit for it.
However, a recent Supreme Court ruling favored the company. “The President then came back and said that he was going to invoke a global tariff, which would allow a 10 to 15% tariff for a certain amount of time globally.”
He went on to say that he is waiting for executive orders and customs to alert them what the new round will be.
“While it’s a step in the right direction, tariffs administered in this capacity, I view, is theft to small businesses. We don’t have the outlets or legal teams to fight at the level to try to offset the tariffs. We just have to absorb the expense.”
When asked about his hopes for the future, Pearson expressed a desire for relief for small businesses across the United States. “At the very least, have extended timelines to do true investigations of a tariff to allow businesses to plan and to have them be an appropriate amount. 50% is not sustainable for a small business whatsoever,” he said.
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, a business advocacy organization, has not heard about potential refunds for businesses but remains hopeful.
“We’ve heard directly from members that projects are stalled and not moving forward due to the lack of clarity about what costs will look like,” the organization stated. “So, we’ll really be monitoring that to support long-term investment in our community and making sure that affordability is a top-line issue for businesses.”
Pearson will be attending the State of the Union with Senator Chuck Schumer to share his story in Washington, D.C.
Representative Joe Morelle also commented on the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing that tariffs are a decision for Congress and the president’s power in this regard is temporary.
Morelle shared an example of a business leader who considered expanding in the U.S. but found it more financially viable to expand in Berlin due to the tariffs. “Clearly, that’s the opposite of what we want to happen,” Morelle said. Morelle added his support for the Supreme Court’s decision and expressed hope that President Trump will address the rationale behind the tariffs, noting concerns from both Democrats and Republicans about the administration’s direction.
RELATED STORIES:
Wayne County Sheriff to join Rep. Claudia Tenney at State of the Union address Here’s who Rep. Morelle, Rep. Tenney, and others are bringing to Tuesday’s State of the UnionRochester business owner to attend State of the Union with Sen. Schumer amid tariff challenges WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about rochester business owner to attend state of the union with sen schumer amid tariff challenges was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Rochester business owner to attend State of the Union with Sen. Schumer amid tariff challenges )
Also on site :