Bald: Tariffs Are Hurting New Hampshire—Our Leaders Must Speak Out

By GEORGE BALD, InDepth NH

New Hampshire has always punched above its economic weight.

From advanced manufacturing to world-class products and innovation, our small but mighty state competes on a global stage. That is why elected officials at every level must speak clearly and forcefully against tariffs that harm New Hampshire businesses, workers, and consumers—especially tariffs on Canada.

Tariffs are often presented as tools for protecting American industries. In practice, however, they function as taxes paid by American families and businesses. The U.S. International Trade Commission has repeatedly found that U.S. importers—not foreign exporters—bear the cost.

New Hampshire is especially vulnerable because Canada is our second largest trading partner. Until 2024, Canada was always our state’s largest trading partner. Interestingly, that is the year that President Trump imposed additional tariffs on Canada. In 2023 our exports (the sale of NH made products) went from $1,441 billion to $1.174 billion in 2024 and dropped $859 million in 2025. Key sectors include:

• Industrial machinery and precision manufacturing
• Medical devices and optics
• Aerospace components
• Plastics, chemicals, and advanced materials
• Agricultural and lumber and food products

According to U.S. Department of Commerce estimates, more than 23,000 New Hampshire jobs depend directly on trade. In a small state, that represents a significant share of our economic base. In addition, over 51,000 people in New Hampshire are employed by US affiliates of foreign owned companies. When tariffs disrupt cross-border supply chains, New Hampshire feels the effects immediately.

• Manufacturers face higher input costs that they cannot simply absorb.
• Small businesses contend with unpredictable price swings that make planning difficult.
• Families pay more for everyday goods, from building materials to groceries, as tariff costs ripple through supply chains before products reach store shelves.

These are not abstract policy debates; they are real costs borne by the citizens of New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s economy depends on open, stable, rules-based trade. Our exporters rely on access to global markets, but tariffs weaken their competitiveness, invite retaliation from trading partners, and reduce opportunities to sell abroad.

A New Hampshire Issue, Not a Partisan One

Our elected officials should not treat tariffs as a partisan issue. This is a New Hampshire issue. Opposing harmful tariffs means standing up for our workers, small businesses, and long-term economic strength. It means defending manufacturers in Rochester, technology firms in Nashua, exporters in Portsmouth, and small retailers in every town that depend on predictable supply chains.

A Clear Call to Action

We need leaders who will say plainly: tariffs are hurting New Hampshire, and they must end.

The Granite State thrives when we trade freely, compete fairly, and innovate boldly. Tariffs hold us back. It is time for New Hampshire’s local, state, and federal leaders to speak with one voice and protect the economic future that generations of Granite Staters have worked hard to build.

The evidence is clear: New Hampshire’s elected officials should strongly and publicly oppose tariffs that harm the state’s economy.

George Bald served as Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development for 13 years, retiring in Oct. 2012.

This story was originally published by InDepth NH.