The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) responded to the US Supreme Court’s decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give President Donald Trump authority to impose broad international tariffs.
Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of NJBIA, stated: “Since President Trump instituted tariffs last year, there has always been an understanding that while some New Jersey manufacturers might benefit in the long-term, there would indeed be short-term pain in the form of increased costs for business.
“But for some employers, that pain has been too much to bear. Just this week, one of New Jersey’s more famous manufacturers, in business for more than 100 years, announced it would have to lay off 140 workers.
“In NJBIA’s annual Business Outlook Survey, 49% of our respondents said tariffs impacted their supply chains in 2025. Of those impacted, 88% said they faced increased prices from their supply chains. Additionally, 81% said they were not confident they could absorb raised input prices without passing them on to consumers.
“So, there is no question our employers have been impacted by tariffs. Shifting federal tariff policies often creates a lack of predictability and certainty for New Jersey businesses. And that uncertainty can cause businesses to freeze investments, stop hiring, and, in some cases, pivot to less favorable, cost-burdened operations.
“Today’s ruling could potentially alleviate some of those cost pressures for those impacted. We hope that this pause can bring about more conversation and collaboration between industry and lawmakers to strengthen our national economy, but without putting our employers in peril.”
NJBIA is recognized as the largest statewide employer association in the country representing private-sector employers across various sectors throughout New Jersey (https://njbia.org/). The organization focuses on advancing its members’ competitive excellence and financial success while providing essential information and services (https://njbia.org/). Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer (https://njbia.org/). NJBIA also works with businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions through partnerships (https://njbia.org/), offering advocacy as well as practical resources aimed at supporting business prosperity (https://njbia.org/).
