While tariffs under the Trump administration have rattled stock markets, weakened the U.S. dollar, and raised concerns about a slowing economy, not everyone is feeling the heat. For Excel Dryer, a leading global manufacturer of hand dryers based in Massachusetts, the trade war has brought unexpected advantages.

Chief Operating Officer William Gagnon remains optimistic, even enthusiastic. “The tariffs have actually worked in our favor,” he said, noting how the import taxes have helped U.S.-based manufacturers like Excel by making foreign competitors’ products more expensive.

In April, the Trump administration imposed sweeping new tariff, 125% on Chinese imports and announced “reciprocal” tariffs of 10% for 90 days on products from more than 75 other countries. These moves are part of a broader economic strategy aimed at pressuring trade partners while protecting American industries.

While these policies have sparked anxiety across many sectors and drawn criticism for their impact on global trade, companies like Excel Dryer are capitalizing on the shift. Domestic manufacturing is gaining new relevance as businesses weigh the rising costs of imports.

Meanwhile, Trump’s White House continues to push an aggressive political and economic agenda. His first 100 days have seen declining approval ratings, but his administration remains undeterred. From slashing federal agency jobs to launching legal battles over diversity policies at Harvard University including a push to revoke the school's tax-exempt status, Trump is pursuing his agenda with intensity.

Despite controversy and resistance, certain sectors of American industry, like Excel Dryer, are proving resilient and even thriving under the pressure of tariffs and shifting policy priorities.