Uncertainty is the Only Certainty
By Colleen Kiernan, Chief Strategy Officer – Gateway85 CID
One month after President Trump’s second inauguration, the change in direction from the previous administration has been as dramatic as it has been fast. To date, President Trump has signed 65 executive orders. Two areas that Gateway85 CID is closely monitoring are tariffs and infrastructure funding.
As a major logistics and warehousing hub in metro Atlanta, with Amazon, UPS and Toyota standing as three of the CID’s largest employers, the impact of various tariffs proposed and imposed by President Trump could have far-reaching outcomes.
The 25% tariffs proposed on Canada and Mexico were suspended until March 4, 2025, but the 10% additional tariff on China moved forward. China responded with a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as a 10% tariff on agricultural equipment and crude oil, increasing the potential for the trade war to escalate. Last week, 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum were imposed on metals imported to the U.S. In addition to expected impacts on the U.S. auto industry, Gateway85’s neighbor Porter Steel warned of potential decreased margins.
Another area the CID is closely watching is the shifting priorities for infrastructure investment. The Trump administration signaled on its first day that support for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure was over, pausing funding for projects that were previously funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. This was clarified to focus specifically on electric vehicles. However, our neighbors, the Lucky Shoals Community Association grant award of $20 million from U.S. EPA was frozen, unfrozen and the project is now paused, leaving uncertainty for the project’s future.
As Gateway85 CID navigates these shifting dynamics, staying informed and adaptable will be key to ensuring our district’s continued growth and stability. Whether addressing the effects of trade policy changes or advocating for infrastructure investments that align with our community’s needs, we remain committed to working with our partners to find solutions. Our focus will be on leveraging our resources and expertise to support our businesses and residents through whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
