AHRI issues statement, opposes Trump’s tariffs

AHRI last week issued a statement expressing concern over the Trump administration’s upcoming tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 

Zoom in: The administration announced a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican imports, which will affect major HVAC manufacturers with operations in Mexico. 

What they’re saying: “Our industry supports more than 700,000 jobs here in America, and we are very concerned that the announced tariffs could not only jeopardize existing jobs but could prevent the industry from increasing American employment,” wrote AHRI president Stephen Yurek. 

• “In addition… the announced tariffs will almost certainly raise the cost of products and equipment essential for maintaining health-affirming residential and commercial heating, cooling, and water heating,” he added. 

Of note: While AHRI supports the administration’s efforts to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S., it urged its consideration of the “potential unintended consequences of that effort.”

What’s next: No response to the statement has been known, and barring any changes, the tariff on Mexico is slated to take effect in March.