2025 Tariff Impact
Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (CommerceRI), along with other local partners, gathered input from Rhode Island manufacturers between May 20 and June 27, 2025, related to the impact of import duty and tariff changes announced in 2025.
We’ll use this data to seek out solutions, facilitate resources and guide development of supportive services in the coming months.
ASSESS: Impact Analysis
2025 Tariff Impact Survey Report is available for download!
Key findings include:
- 78.3% of the nearly 100 Rhode Island manufacturers who responded reported they either have or plan to adjust prices as a result of federal changes to tariffs.
- 81% of respondents categorized the impact as either “somewhat negative” or “significantly negative” in at least two areas of business.
- 86% of ALL respondents said tariff changes and uncertainty have negatively impacted their Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
- 62% of ALL respondents reported negative impacts to their investment plans.
- 76% of ALL respondents reported a negative impact on their bottom line.
- Manufacturers outside the defense supply chain were substantially more likely to report negative impact on their ability to fulfill contracts on time compared to defense manufacturers (57.7% vs 42.5%). Non-defense companies also reported higher percentages of imported components or raw materials.
- 93% of food manufacturers, medtech, and life sciences manufacturers who participated reported negative impacts to their bottom line, while 64% of fabricated metal manufacturers reported the same.
Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and RIMA are now working with policy makers, technical services providers and elected officials to develop programs that respond to the biggest areas of negative impact identified through the survey.
Quotes are available in the Press Release.
Manufacturing leaders: Polaris MEP is now seeking input from senior executives on workforce, growth trajectory, obstacles to success and plans for technology investments, among other topics. Responses are confidential. Complete the “Voice of Manufacturers” survey: https://go.polarismep.org/25voices
ACT: Resources
Guided by the survey responses, Polaris MEP, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (CommerceRI) and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) will be working to help Ocean State manufacturers navigate and adapt to changing conditions.
Click to schedule a meeting today with
| Chris Cinieri, Polaris MEP | Dave Chenevert, RIMA | Chris Cannata, CommerceRI |
Below are a few initial resources that can help your company.
Click on the blue arrows to learn more / request support.
Supply Chain Health Assessment
Analyzing and adjusting your supply chain now will make your business stronger. This is a key strategy for reacting and adapting to turbulence caused by tariff changes.
Polaris MEP offers a “Supply Chain Health Report” which will identify gaps and offer recommendations related to:
- Supplier management
- Risk management
- Forecasting & Inventory Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability
- Foreign Sourcing
and more.
Automation / Robotics Readiness
Automation and robotics, strategically integrated, can help your company gain more control, increase productivity and lower costs.
As a recent blog post put it:
“Adopting automation may create room in the budget to absorb rising input costs.
Optimize your inventory management by improving demand forecasting and limiting excess stock. This allows you to minimize carrying costs and avoid over-ordering tariffed goods.”
Click here to learn more about solutions to help you prepare and pursue smart manufacturing.
International Trade Partnership Support
The partnership of Rhode Island Commerce, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University and the United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Center offers:
- Strategic consulting services
- International market research
- Assistance in developing international channel partners
- Assistance in developing global pricing models
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
Business Continuity Planning
According to the global consulting firm Deloitte, greater than fifty percent of businesses without an effective business continuity plan will ultimately fail following a major disruption.
Proactively solidifying and documenting your business continuity plan will help your team be more nimble and effective in responding to major disruptions.
Polaris MEP project managers are manufacturers with years of experience running scenarios/responses. They collaborate with CommerceRI and RIMA to give you the full benefit of insights and resources for your plans.
Source: Fictiv, 2020 State of Manufacturing Report
Workforce Development
An adaptable workforce is a necessity in the face of rising costs and disrupted supply chains.
Reskilling and upskilling your workers, investing in continuous learning … Polaris MEP Workforce experts and their partners can help you more quickly bridge skills gaps and strengthen your business.