Tariffs are shaking up Ohio manufacturing
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Tariffs are reshaping Ohio's manufacturing economy, creating clear winners and losers, according to a new report.
Why it matters: Manufacturing accounts for more than 17% of Ohio's GDP, and even small swings in costs can have ripple effects across the state's supply chains.
What they did: MAGNET, a nonprofit consulting group that focuses on manufacturing growth, surveyed 266 industry leaders across Ohio between August and October.
- It's the first large-scale look at how companies are faring roughly six months after President Trump's tariffs took effect.
Driving the news: One-third of Ohio manufacturers say tariffs have already affected their sales, according to the report.
- 18% report losing sales, while 15% say sales increased.
Yes, but: The average losses (-16%) were nearly double the average gains (+9%).
By the numbers: Two in five surveyed say rising raw material costs are hindering growth.
- Cases of "significant" cost pressure jumped from 7.7% in 2023 to 10.9% in 2025.
- 30% say political uncertainty is slowing growth, the highest level since tracking began in 2018.
- 9% have reshored production, more than double 2021 levels, with most coming from China.
Between the lines: Companies making proprietary products account for 73% of those reporting losses. But firms that build custom components for larger manufacturers have seen gains as domestic sourcing ticks up.
- Jack Schron, CEO of Cleveland-based Jergens, Inc., reported "record growth" due to the competitive advantage of manufacturing products domestically.
What they're saying: "Ohio's story is America's story," said MAGNET president and CEO Ethan Karp in a statement.
- "The gains are uneven and the path uncertain, yet manufacturers remain stubbornly optimistic that new opportunity will emerge from the disruption."
What's next: Despite the turbulence, 66% of manufacturers project growth in 2026, banking on new customers, new markets and stabilization in trade policy.
Go deeper: Tariffs and Turbulence: How Ohio manufacturers are navigating a shifting trade landscape