China tariffs increase costs, disrupt supply for U.S. manufacturers including suppliers to the healthcare industry
Case Medical CEO, Marcia Frieze, spoke to CNN Newsroom’s Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto yesterday, May 9, 2019, about the impact of tariffs enacted against China, both in March 2018 and now again this month. The president’s decision to proceed results in a tariff increase on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. The new tariffs, effective today, raise tariffs levels on targeted Chinese products to 25% across the board.
Frieze commented, “As a company that survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the tariffs last year…not only increased our costs drastically, but we also suffered from a lack of supply…one can only anticipate what a tremendous impact this is going to be, not only on us but on other US manufacturers…”
The tariffs have triggered uncertainty in the supply chain for many materials, including the aluminum and stainless steel used to make surgical devices, rigid reusable sterilization containers, and other medical equipment for the health care sector, which results in increased costs and disruption of predictable supply availability. Frieze also noted that businesses that both purchase from and sell to China can experience disadvantages related to both imported and exported goods. Case Medical is a U.S. manufacturer based in New Jersey.
Case Medical is the undisputed quality leader in instrument processing products and services, known for the industry-leading customizable container system, SteriTite® Universal Sealed Container with MediTray® Components. SuperNova® and Case Solutions® cleaners and lubricant carry the US EPA Safer Choice label. Visit www.casemed.com for more information about products for infection prevention.
