Tariffs Stir Concern Among Johnson County Business Leaders
In a recent Aspire Johnson County survey, two-thirds (64%) of local business leaders said they are “somewhat” or “very” concerned that tariffs will affect their companies. Only 10% reported being “not at all” concerned.
The online survey, conducted by Aspire’s Business Advocacy Council, polled local employers on a range of public policy issues tied to economic development and business success. When it came to tariffs, the results revealed both strong concern about costs and investment, and a division in overall sentiment.
Now heading into the fifth month of the President’s policy actions on international trade, Aspire asked respondents to rank specific consequences they feared the most from tariffs. Johnson County business leaders most ranked “overall increased business costs” first or second with 86%.
“Delayed capital investments” followed with 42%, and “supply chain disruptions” with 35% ranking it first or second. “Shrinking product / consumer market” came in at 22%. “Workforce layoffs” only came in at 9%.
“The top concerns for overall costs and supply chain disruptions have been echoed by chambers of commerce throughout the nation, especially this late into negotiations,” said Aspire Johnson County president and CEO Christian Maslowski.”
“But the strong concern for delayed capital investment speaks more locally. Johnson County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing populations, driving new commercial and residential development. Sidelined capital due to the uncertainty is cooling off our very hot market, corralling demand. This, of course, can influence imbalance in the supply and nudge up costs.”
Despite the concerns, Johnson County business leaders were divided when asked about their broader sentiment toward tariffs, suggesting their personal political opinion might differ from how they view tariffs through their business lens.
44% said they worry the fallout could harm their business or force difficult decisions. And 40% expressed support for the President’s approach or willingness to absorb short-term pain.
Still, a plurality of respondents (31%) “agrees there is a trade imbalance but worry the fallout from tariffs could eventually harm their business.”
Responding companies came from a broad spectrum of industries. Notably, the top categories of manufacturing, finance, professional services, and construction mirror leading sectors driving Johnson County’s economy. Small businesses had a strong voice, with 52% reporting fewer than 50 employees in Indiana. 17% were major employers with more than 500 employees.
As the local economic development organization for Johnson County, Aspire Johnson County leverages community development opportunities to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the county. As the chamber of commerce, Aspire leads the area’s business community by advancing pro-growth policy and providing comprehensive member services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations.
Aspire conducted the survey to shape its policy priorities and advocacy efforts. The organization will share results with elected officials and continue to champion the interests of Johnson County businesses.