Issue 11.11

March 21, 2025

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

Yesterday wrapped up a busy week in Dover in which several bills saw movement, including:

SS 1 for SB 21 – Corporate Law

SB 46 – Autonomous Vehicles

SB 61 with SA 1 – Public Utilities

SB 60 with S A 2 – Public Utilities

Earlier this week, Representative Ross Levin shared a draft “salary transparency” bill and requested feedback from our members. We ask that employers review this draft and send any feedback or reactions to me at tmicik@dscc.com.

FINAL ROUND OF VOTING IS OPEN!

Agilent Technologies' Resolve Handheld Raman Spectrometer. ILC Dover's Spacesuits. Staging Dimensions' Hot Wheels Double Dare Loop. SUMURI's TALINO Forensic Workstations.

Four innovative products remain, but only one can be crowned the Coolest Thing Made in Delaware! The winner will be announced at the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference next Thursday, 3/27.

Cast your vote >

TRADE MEANS GROWTH FOR DELAWARE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORTS 130,000 JOBS IN DELAWARE,

OR ABOUT 1 IN 5 TOTAL JOBS IN THE STATE

Delaware companies exported $9.5 billion in goods and services in 2023 to more than 170 markets around the world, with the top goods and services being financial services, chemicals, transportation equipment, and electronic product. Foreign-headquartered companies directly employ 29,200 Delaware workers.

Read the full report from the U.S. Chamber >

WHAT ARE TARIFFS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

From USA Facts

Tariffs, sometimes called duties or customs duties, are taxes on goods that are traded between nations. When goods cross the US border, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects tariffs based on the type of goods, their quantity, and which country they’re coming from. Read more >

WHY DO COUNTRIES USE TARIFFS?

Tariffs are a way for countries to control international trade. By artificially raising the cost of importing goods, tariffs can incentivize would-be importers to instead purchase goods from domestic sellers, potentially strengthening the local economy.

Politics can also play a role: governments can adjust tariffs to exert economic leverage over political rivals or retaliate against other tariffs or economic sanctions.

WHO PAYS FOR TARIFFS?

In a literal sense, companies that are importing goods from international trade partners pay the tariff fees to CBP at the port of entry within 10 days. When the US raises tariffs, US companies importing goods are responsible for paying those tariffs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this indirectly raises domestic prices on goods as supply-and-demand forces often push the burden onto consumers in the importing country.

What our National Affiliates are Saying:

"We ... want to work together [with the Trump Administration] to keep costs down, but tariffs will only raise prices and increase the economic pain being felt by everyday Americans across the country. We urge reconsideration of this policy and a swift end to these tariffs,” said Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Read the full statement >

“The stakes couldn’t be higher for manufacturers right now. Many manufacturers are operating on thin margins, and the tariffs imposed today will further strain their resources," said National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.

Read the full statement >

"First and foremost, NRF supports President Trump’s agenda to lower taxes, reduce regulation and promote affordable American energy sources. ... Unfortunately, we believe that high, across-the-board tariffs will undermine the economic growth signaled by the other features of the president’s agenda and have lasting negative consequences for consumers and workers."

Read the full letter >

ADVERTISE WITH THE STATE CHAMBER

Promote your events, news & initiatives to Delaware's business community through us! Learn more >

WHY DO COUNTRIES USE TARIFFS?

WHO PAYS FOR TARIFFS?

What our National Affiliates are Saying:

In Case You Missed It