When former President Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term, food manufacturers across the United States should see significant benefits. While much of the political discourse around Trump’s first term was polarized, his policies had a clear impact on the business climate, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Noted leader in the food industry, Chris Lischewski is confident that Trump’s second term should spell good news for food manufacturers. He believes that Trump’s economic, regulatory, trade, and energy policies can provide the stability and incentives needed for growth and success in a competitive global market.
Here are several reasons why Trump’s second term should be favorable for U.S. food manufacturers:
1. Pro-Business and Deregulatory Agenda
One of the hallmarks of Trump’s first term was a strong pro-business stance, which included rolling back regulations that many in the business community, including food manufacturers, found burdensome. In particular, his administration made significant strides in reducing the number of federal regulations impacting industries across the board, including food production and processing.
For food manufacturers, this meant a more flexible operating environment, where companies could focus on innovation and efficiency without worrying about excessive government oversight. In a second term, Trump is likely to continue his deregulatory agenda. Lower regulatory compliance costs can lead to greater profitability and a more dynamic manufacturing sector, with companies able to reinvest savings into technology, workforce development, or infrastructure improvements.
2. Tax Cuts and Economic Growth
Trump’s first term saw the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, which lowered corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%. This was a boon for many manufacturers, including those in the food industry, as it allowed companies to retain more earnings, increase capital investments, and hire more workers. The tax cuts provided U.S. companies with greater flexibility to expand operations and compete on the global stage.
Chris Lischewski believes that a second term for Trump should see the continuation of pro-business tax policies, potentially offering further tax relief or incentives for U.S. food manufacturers. By lowering taxes, Trump’s policies could allow food manufacturers to reinvest in plant upgrades, automation, workforce expansion, and research and development—all essential components for staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.
3. Trade Policies That Benefit U.S. Food Exports
Trade policy has been one of the key areas where Trump’s administration directly impacted the food manufacturing sector. Trump’s “America First” trade strategy was focused on securing better terms for U.S. companies in international markets. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), was a major victory for U.S. food manufacturers, as it improved access to these important markets for agricultural and food products.
Trump’s tough stance on China also resulted in the Phase One trade deal, which boosted U.S. agricultural exports to China, including products like soybeans, meat, and other foodstuffs. Although the tariffs imposed during the trade war created some challenges, the trade deal ultimately opened new markets for U.S. food producers.
In a second term, Trump will likely continue pursuing trade deals designed to expand U.S. exports, particularly in food manufacturing. By fostering better relationships with countries like China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, U.S. food manufacturers should benefit from improved access to these high-demand markets, thereby increasing export revenues and creating opportunities for growth.
4. Emphasis on Domestic Manufacturing and “Made in America” Policies
Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” mantra was central to his economic policies during his first term. In food manufacturing, this translated into greater incentives for U.S. companies to keep production within the U.S. and reduce dependence on foreign imports. Trump supported policies that encouraged the reshoring of manufacturing jobs, and he often called for an end to offshoring in key industries.
A second term should see further efforts to incentivize U.S.-based food manufacturers through tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans to support domestic production. Additionally, a focus on reducing reliance on foreign supply chains (especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions) could create opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to build more resilient, localized production networks.
For food manufacturers, a strong domestic production base not only helps with reliability and cost-efficiency, but also addresses growing consumer demand for “Made in America” products, which has become a selling point for many consumers who value local sourcing.
5. Energy Policies That Support U.S. Food Manufacturing
Energy prices and availability play a critical role in the profitability of food manufacturing, especially for energy-intensive processes like food processing, refrigeration, and packaging. Trump’s energy policies, which favored greater fossil fuel production and deregulation of the energy sector, helped keep energy prices relatively low and stable during his first term.
In a second term, Trump will continue pushing for energy independence, focusing on the development of U.S. oil, natural gas, and coal reserves. Lower energy costs can directly benefit food manufacturers by reducing production costs, keeping food prices stable, and improving profit margins.
While Trump’s energy policies have been criticized for their environmental impact, food manufacturers should see clear economic advantages in the form of reduced energy costs and more secure energy supply chains.
6. Workforce Development and Immigration Reform
One of the greatest challenges faced by U.S. food manufacturers is finding a reliable and skilled workforce. While Trump’s first term focused on limiting illegal immigration, his administration did take steps to address labor shortages in certain sectors, including agriculture and food processing, by creating more pathways for legal immigration through guest worker programs.
In a second term, Trump is expected to focus on expanding such programs to ensure that U.S. food manufacturers have access to the labor they need, especially in lower-wage and seasonal positions that are critical to the food supply chain. This would help food manufacturers manage labor shortages and keep production costs in check, especially in rural areas where the food industry is a significant employer.
Additionally, Trump’s focus on workforce development, such as creating job training programs, could help fill skills gaps in the food manufacturing sector, which increasingly requires workers with expertise in automation, data analysis, and food science.
7. Focus on Innovation and Technology in Food Manufacturing
Trump’s first term was characterized by a general support for technological innovation, particularly in the areas of automation and artificial intelligence. The U.S. food manufacturing sector is increasingly turning to technology to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. With Trump’s pro-business, pro-technology stance, U.S. food manufacturers should benefit from policies that encourage investment in automation, robotics, and food processing innovations.
Conclusion: A Recipe for Success in U.S. Food Manufacturing
Donald Trump’s second term is expected to be highly beneficial for U.S. food manufacturers. His continued focus on reducing taxes, cutting regulations, promoting trade, and supporting domestic manufacturing will create a favorable environment for the growth of the food manufacturing sector. Additionally, policies aimed at workforce development, energy stability, and technological innovation will help U.S. manufacturers improve their competitiveness and resilience.
Lischewski emphasizes that while Trump’s policies are not without controversy, the overarching themes of business growth, deregulation, and trade expansion align with the needs of food manufacturers who are navigating a rapidly changing global market. Trump’s second term will provide the stability and policy support necessary for U.S. food manufacturers to thrive both at home and abroad.
