In today's world, the lifting equipment industry is more dynamic—and more vulnerable—than ever before. With international tariffs now in full swing, industries that rely on lifting equipment will start to feel the weight of unexpected costs, delays, and disruptions. While many will focus on the immediate price hikes, the long-term consequences of tariffs can be detrimental. The good news? There’s a better way.

The Tariff Chain Reaction: Hidden Costs You Can’t Ignore

Tariffs lead to immediate budget strain and market instability, but they also carry hidden costs and impacts that many builders and industry professionals don’t anticipate. Here’s how tariffs affect companies in the long term:

1. Delays and Project Setbacks. Tariffs delay shipping and customs processing, which creates bottlenecks in supply chains, especially for equipment manufacturers reliant on international imports. The uncertainty around delivery windows can also make it difficult to plan projects effectively, leading to wasted time and money. Construction timelines, manufacturing deadlines, and even critical infrastructure projects can be held up due to these complications.
2. Higher Maintenance Costs. Over time, industries that rely on imported lifting equipment may face higher maintenance costs. Imported equipment means imported replacement parts which may have limited availability and tariff-inflated costs. Additionally, imported equipment is subject to varying quality standards, which means safety standards can be compromised and increased wear and tear can reduce the lifespan of the equipment.
3. Loss of Business. For all industries, price sensitivity is a reality, and when tariffs force manufacturers to increase their prices, clients who are budget sensitive or limited look for alternatives. That may mean going to other suppliers or in some cases, choosing not to invest in new equipment at all. This means lost business opportunities and strained customer relationships.

Tariff-Free American-Made Solutions: A Stable, Predictable Alternative

Thankfully, there is a simple solution that removes the uncertainty and volatility of international tariffs: domestic production. At Olsen Chain & Cable, we offer a range of American-made lifting equipment from manufacturers like Machining & Welding. M&W’s vertically integrated manufacturing process ensures tariff-free reliability while adhering to the highest standards of safety.

Machining & Welding designs and builds its lifting equipment right here in the U.S.A. With complete control over every aspect of production, from sourcing materials to the final build, they’re able to offer the following benefits:

• Faster Lead Times: By keeping the entire manufacturing process in-house, M&W avoids the delays and supply chain limitations of international shipping.
• Stable Pricing: Since Machining & Welding doesn’t rely on overseas suppliers, they (and their customers) are shielded from the price fluctuations caused by recent tariffs.
• Unmatched Quality Control: M&W maintains the highest quality standards from start to finish; they never need to cut corners.

Strengthening American Industry, One Lift at a Time

At the core of Olsen Chain & Cable and Machining & Welding’s mission is a commitment to the strength of American industry. By supporting U.S. manufacturing, you’re not just avoiding tariffs—you’re also supporting domestic job growth, innovation, and long-term stability.

Industries like construction and manufacturing depend on lifting equipment that’s reliable, safe, and built to withstand the demands of tough work environments. With Machining & Welding, you’re not just buying lifting equipment; you’re investing in American-made strength and innovation.

Choose Quality. Choose Stability. Choose American-Made.

The next time you’re looking for lifting solutions that are built to last without the burden of tariffs, choose Machining & Welding lifting products. Every product is built to meet Olsen Chain & Cable’s rigorous safety standards, and during times of economic uncertainty, you can trust that you’re getting the highest quality products, faster lead times, and stable pricing.

Talk to our sales team today or take a look at the M&W catalog below to shop tariff-free lifting products from Olsen Chain & Cable.