U.S. Tariffs Strain Massachusetts Manufacturers as Costs Rise and Jobs Shrink
In a cavernous 1890s factory in southern Massachusetts, just 15 workers remain, stitching hospital-grade neonatal gear on aging sewing machines. This small crew is all that’s left of what was once a bustling manufacturing hub run by the Teixeira family. Most of the operation shut down in 1990 as the family pivoted to warehousing and distribution under Accurate Services Inc. Since former President Donald Trump rolled out sweeping tariffs, the Teixeiras have received more inquiries from companies suddenly interested in U.S.-based sewing. But they’ve declined, citing hiring difficulties amid immigration crackdowns and skepticism about long-term demand. “It’s just not going to happen,” said Frank Teixeira, who has been with the business since the 1970s. “Tariffs are a bad policy and eventually are going to come home to haunt us.” Trump campaigned on promises that tariffs would revive American manufacturing, lower […]