Michigan and Ohio Jobs Will Be the True Test of Tariffs

The resolution of President Donald Trump’s tariff plans, expected this month, couldn’t come soon enough for the auto and manufacturing heartland that helped sweep him into office. The economies of Michigan and Ohio have been deteriorating since last year and are poised to worsen as a cooling labor market, stagnant consumer confidence and high interest rates chill auto demand and factory activity.
How their fortunes unfold over the next year will be the true test of whether Trump’s economic agenda boosts manufacturing jobs following months of erratic trade policy that has made businesses cautious.