Tariffs, Tomatoes, and Turmoil: Michelle Schulz Unpacks the Trade Confusion on WLW Cincinnati
- Schulz Trade Law
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Tariffs, Tomatoes, and Turmoil:
Michelle Schulz Unpacks the Trade Confusion on WLW Cincinnati
July 14, 2025
With tensions rising over new U.S. tariff threats—this time hitting Canada and even life-saving pharmaceuticals—international trade attorney Michelle Schulz returned to WLW Radio on July 14, 2025, to clarify what’s happening and what it really means for Americans.
The short answer? The situation is messy, and it’s not just about politics or economics—it’s about your grocery bill, your medicine cabinet, and your job.
“It’s hard to see a clear strategy,” Schulz said. “What’s being used as a national security measure is actually more of a deal-making tactic—and it’s hurting U.S. companies.”
Canada, Copper, and Confusion: Are We Taxing Our Friends?
Host Scott Sloan opened by pointing out how strange it is to be punishing Canada—a close ally and major copper supplier—especially after they backed down on a proposed digital tax. Schulz didn’t mince words.
“It’s odd timing. We have a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, but we’re not sticking to the spirit of those deals,” she explained.
Instead, U.S. businesses are bearing the cost. “Our clients are struggling,” Schulz said. “They either raise prices, go out of business, or scramble to source elsewhere. The importers—our own companies—are the ones paying these taxes.”
And while the U.S. saw a $27 billion increase in tariff revenue year-over-year, Schulz reminded listeners: “That’s still a drop in the bucket compared to our $37 trillion national debt.”
What Happens When Tomatoes—and Pharmaceuticals—Get Taxed?
Tariffs may sound abstract, but they show up on your dinner plate and at your pharmacy. Schulz confirmed that prices on essentials like produce and medicine are already rising, and a rumored 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals could send costs soaring.
“People will turn to black markets or unsafe knockoffs if legitimate medications become unaffordable,” she warned. “You could go to the pharmacy and your prescription just isn’t there.”
Even medical equipment is affected, thanks to the existing 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum. “We’re risking a lot,” Schulz added, “and we won’t see any benefit for years.”
The same logic applies to Trump’s stated goal of bringing drug manufacturing back to the U.S. “Experts say that’ll take five years or more,” said Schulz. “So what do we do in the meantime?”
Global Retaliation and Long-Term Risks
The fallout won’t be limited to U.S. consumers. Other nations are preparing to retaliate with tariffs of their own. Schulz pointed to the administration’s decision to skip major trade deals—like the Trans-Pacific Partnership—as part of a broader trend of isolation.
“If we don’t cooperate, other countries will work together without us. That creates more competition for the U.S. in the long run.”
The result? A fractured global economy and missed opportunities.
And what about deals we have struck—like with Vietnam and the UK? Schulz was skeptical: “They’re not official trade agreements. At best, we’re getting slightly better tariff rates in a few places while damaging relations with key partners like the EU, Canada, and Brazil.”
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The Bottom Line for Businesses and Consumers
So what’s next? Schulz sees chaos and uncertainty unless the approach to trade policy shifts.
“We’ve had clients who were planning to manufacture in the U.S., but now they’ve reversed course and moved operations abroad because of tariff pressure,” she said. “This isn’t the massive reshoring effort we were promised.”
Meanwhile, Schulz emphasized, it’s the American consumer who ends up paying more—for groceries, electronics, cars, and even health care.
At Schulz Trade Law, we help businesses stay nimble in the face of volatile trade policy. If you're unsure how new tariffs will affect your operations—or your bottom line—contact us for tailored legal and compliance strategies.
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Host: Scott Sloan
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