Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Governor Joshua Shapiro visited the Port of Philadelphia to address concerns over new federal tariffs affecting businesses and workers. Shapiro aimed to understand firsthand how these tariffs, the highest imposed in a century, are leading to disruption in supply chains and increasing the costs of goods, impacting everything from fruit to cars.
"The President may have announced changes to his tariffs yesterday - but despite the chaos and confusion, the reality is this: the tariffs," said Governor Shapiro. He added, "Tariffs are taxes - and they're going to make everything from fresh fruit to chocolate to auto parts more expensive for Pennsylvanians." Governor Shapiro emphasized the focus of his administration on cutting costs for the state's residents and businesses to stimulate economic growth in Pennsylvania.
PhilaPort serves as a critical hub for imported products, supporting 12,000 local jobs and contributing to 66,000 maritime jobs across the state. In 2024, the port saw $3.2 billion in fruit imports, more than any other U.S. port. The governor expressed concerns that these tariffs might threaten Pennsylvania's competitive edge in international trade.
Speakers during the visit included Michael Pearson, Chairman of PhilaPort, Daniel Duffy, a crane operator and member of the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1291, Leo Holt, President of Holt Logistics, and Representative Ed Neilson. They shared insights into the daily challenges the tariffs are causing at the port and their broader economic implications.
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