Davids Highlights Real-World Costs of Reckless Tariffs at Kansas Manufacturer

KANSAS CITY, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Ultra-Tech Aerospace, a local manufacturer hit hard by President Trump’s reckless tariffs that have raised the cost of critical equipment and strained operations. Davids toured the facility, met with workers, and discussed bipartisan trade solutions that protect both competitiveness and consumers.

“When reckless tariffs make it more expensive for Kansas manufacturers to operate, it hurts our workers, our small businesses, and our families,” said Davids. “People's retirement savings, grocery bills, and long-term stability are on the line. We need trade policies that hold foreign actors accountable without creating unpredictable, higher costs across-the-board that threaten jobs and raise prices for everyone.”

“Even though most of our materials come from U.S. suppliers, tariffs and supply chain volatility still create major challenges,” said Fred Stipkovits, President, Ultra-Tech Aerospace. “Prices can change with almost no notice, while our contracts often require fixed pricing and delivery schedules for up to a year. Our team remains committed to navigating these challenges with agility, but stable pricing and reliable material access are critical to keeping U.S. manufacturing competitive.”

Ultra-Tech mostly buys materials made in the U.S., but recent tariffs on imported parts are driving up costs. For example, machine tools that used to carry just a 2 percent trade agreement now face a 15 percent tariff, cutting tools from Japan and Germany are up 5–25 percent, and aluminum has jumped about $0.70 per pound while also becoming harder to get. Many of Ultra-Tech’s contracts require prices and delivery schedules to be fixed for a year. Because of these tariffs and everchanging costs, the company faces uncertainty and a higher risk of delays.

The visit comes as the broader economy is showing signs of strain from the administration’s reckless tariffs:

• Inflation is rising: Consumer inflation prices are climbing faster than the previous month.
• The labor market is cooling: The Labor Department reported just 73,000 jobs added in July, well below expectations, and unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent last month as household employment declined
• Economic growth is slowing: GDP in the first half of this year well below the pace of the last two years.

Kansas families are already feeling the pinch. The Budget Lab at Yale University estimates the average American household will pay $2,400 more this year because of tariffs, with clothing and textiles seeing the biggest spikes. Contrary to claims that tariffs will strengthen the economy, experts warn they will instead lead to higher inflation and slower job growth.

These reckless tariffs also threaten key industries in Kansas, including agriculture and manufacturing, by increasing the cost of imported equipment and materials, and by inviting retaliatory tariffs on exports. This reckless approach to trade policy underscores the need for thoughtful, bipartisan solutions that promote fair trade without harming American consumers and businesses.

Davids has consistently supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection, including measures to hold unfair actors accountable while avoiding broad, unpredictable economic consequences.

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