Forbes TV Interviews Benesch Partner Jonathan Todd on Tariffs and Trade Uncertainty

Jonathan Todd, Partner and Vice Chair of Benesch’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group, was interviewed on Forbes TV by Brittany Lewis, Breaking News Reporter of Forbes Newsroom to discuss President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada.

The conversation centered on the impact of recent tariff changes and trade policies. The implementation of 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, along with the escalation of the trade war with China, is discussed. The challenges for businesses, particularly the auto industry, and the need for strategic planning amidst tariff uncertainty are highlighted. The discussion also touched on the broader implications for global supply chains and the potential for increased costs and retaliation. 

Jonathan highlighted the challenging business environment, stating, “I think that’s the headline story, and everyone with US business interests understands that.” He also mentioned the automotive industry’s concerns, saying, “The automotive industry was at the heart of concern over the impact from the tariffs, particularly on the North American supply chain.” Additionally, he noted the uncertainty surrounding the timing, “The timing, I think, still remains up in the air, which is some more uncertainty.” Jonathan further emphasized the broader context, “There has been consternation across the country, across the other voters, that we have lost the manufacturing base in the United States, and there is some recognition of value to bring that back. The challenge is how we get there, and one of the points of dialog that you’re hearing across business leaders and pundits is whether and how tariffs are part of the solution. They very well may be part of the solution. They’re an effective economic tool at driving behavior that’s really at the core of what the President is doing.”

Watch the full video here.