Pappas Statement Ahead of Trump Tariffs Taking Effect

The more than 350,000 households in New Hampshire that rely on heating oil, propane, and wood to heat their homes could see their bills increase due to tariffs set to take effect tonight  

More than 70% of the imports of two essential materials that home builders rely on—softwood lumber and gypsum (used for drywall)—come from Canada and Mexico, respectively.    

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) reiterated his consistent call on President Trump to halt the imposition of across-the-board, 25% tariffs that will increase costs for New Hampshire families, slow the development of affordable housing,  and put unnecessary financial burdens on Granite State small businesses. 

“President Trump campaigned on lowering costs, but he is actively taking steps that will drastically increase costs for families and small businesses at a time when they are desperate for relief,” said Congressman Pappas. “I have consistently and fiercely opposed President Trump’s plan to impose sweeping tariffs that will raise costs for essential items like groceries, housing, cars, and home heating oil. The move will be met with retaliatory tariffs that will also hurt our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. While the President and Republicans in Congress are turning their back on working families across New Hampshire, I remain committed to continuing to fight to lower costs, strengthen our economy, and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Americans.”

In January, Congressman Pappas joined a letter to President Trump urging him not to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, the Granite State’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. 

 Over the last several months, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZonesaid, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”