In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Chris Wojtowicz of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center discusses the latest developments in federal tariff policy.
Wojtowicz, an international trade consultant and chairman of the Wisconsin District Export Council, says he’s urging his clients to stay positive despite the current uncertainty.
“The world’s not fallen or coming to an end, there are a lot of opportunities to be found out there … politics and governments and personalities and rhetoric aside, people are still looking for your solution,” he said. “So let’s lead with that.”
He shares examples of how he’s working with clients to navigate the international shipping landscape given tariff-related challenges, including finding ways to avoid paying certain taxes when “re-exporting” goods.
Wojtowicz also touches on U.S. relations with other countries, noting Canada is “still charging us 25% in retaliatory tariffs even though we’re not charging them,” and referencing the Trump administration’s alienation of some Canadians.
And while he’s telling clients to take some of the president’s rhetoric with a grain of salt, he notes it can also signal the administration’s next moves.
“Does that mean ship now, get stuff on the water and panic? No. But be prepared, that’s what it means,” he said. “And you know, it’s difficult. It really is. I’m trying to tell my clients to be proactive rather than reactive.”
Talking Trade is hosted by E.M Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel.
