How Trump made a 30% tariff feel like a relief

npr.orgPublished: 5/22/2025

Summary

The article highlights how Trump's tariffs, initially set at 145%, made Yair Reiner's Brooklyn-based kitchenware business feel crushed. However, when Trump lowered them to 30%, Reiner experienced some relief despite ongoing challenges. Prior to Trump, tariffs were around 3-4%, making the 30% increase significantly burdensome. Trump's policy of repeatedly adjusting tariffs has led to a pattern of high rates that are then reduced, causing businesses like Reiner's to face uncertainty. This unpredictability complicates long-term planning for investors and creates challenges for businesses considering new investments or long-term contracts.