Staff Reports
In a world filled with mirrors—some bright, some foggy, and quite a few made overseas—one bold company is standing firm in its commitment to American manufacturing. Founded in 1997 in Everett, Washington, Electric Mirror has made waves in the industry by crafting high-quality, technologically advanced mirrors right here in the land of the free. Jim Michel, the company’s passionate CEO, recently penned an op-ed for The Washington Times, where he expressed his views on the trucking impacts of tariffs under the Trump administration. For Michel, these tariffs are not just a policy; they’re a lifeline for American manufacturing.
Electric Mirror isn’t your average reflective surface. These mirrors light up and even come equipped with special features, making them a popular choice in hotels and homes alike. More importantly, they represent an unwavering commitment to manufacturing in the USA. Michel pointed out a stark truth in his op-ed: when it comes to competition in the manufacturing space, China is the giant that U.S. companies have to contend with. With half of American manufacturing jobs having moved overseas, Michel believes that it’s simply not fair competition. His company has faced numerous challenges, including patent infringements and competitors dumping products into the American market at lower prices, making profits feel like a distant dream.
You may find yourself pondering the purpose of tariffs. After all, they can seem like a necessary evil. However, Michel argues that they serve to level the playing field, creating a fairer market for businesses like his that choose to keep their production on home soil. He noted that many countries around the globe have higher tariffs than the United States, creating hurdles for U.S. exporters. Tariffs can come across as a heavy-handed approach, but in these unique times, they may be a tool that can bring jobs back to the American heartland.
As American consumers increasingly express a desire to buy products made in the USA, the dilemma of identifying those products presents itself. Viewers of the conservative news channel shared their frustrations about ordering items online without knowing their origins. Just imagine the disappointment when a package arrives only to reveal “Made in China” slapped on the label. It was a clarion call for transparency, demanding that shoppers be given clear options to support American businesses like Electric Mirror.
Looking ahead, Electric Mirror has already felt a positive shift in demand for their domestically produced products, a sign that the tides may be turning. While there are many difficult negotiations and challenges on the horizon, Michel is cautiously optimistic. He believes that the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing is not just a personal victory for his company but a triumph for blue-collar workers all over the nation. American labor has been waiting for its moment, and with the right strategies in place, the future could very well pave a path for growth, employment, and a return to the foothills of American manufacturing glory.
So, as tariffs keep the spotlight on trade and employment, Electric Mirror’s story serves as a reminder that preserving American manufacturing isn’t just a monetary transaction; it’s about maintaining jobs for families and keeping the spirit of innovation alive in the United States. Whether they light up your home or reflect the deep-seated ideals of American ingenuity, these mirrors symbolize a brighter future, guided by the resolute belief that good, ol’ American craftsmanship can compete with global players, one reflective surface at a time.
