News Summary
C&H Precision, a local manufacturing company in Pembroke, is facing substantial challenges due to newly imposed tariffs on imported goods. Owner Buck Holly has had to navigate increased costs and supply chain issues while trying to maintain operations and support his family. The 25% to 145% tariff increases have drastically inflated the cost of sourcing materials, prompting Holly to halt overseas manufacturing and explore domestic options. The repercussions of these tariffs are felt across various sectors in Pembroke, revealing broader implications for small businesses.
Pembroke, GA – The impact of tariffs on imported goods has presented significant challenges for local businesses, notably C&H Precision, a manufacturing company owned by Buck Holly, which specializes in high-end firearm accessories. In early 2025, the Trump Administration implemented a 25% tariff on imports from China, escalating to tariff rates of up to 145% on various products, severely impacting Holly’s ability to source materials affordably.
Established in 2012 as a garage startup, C&H Precision emerged from Holly’s desire to transition from his government job in Washington D.C. to a business that would provide him time with family and financial support. The company primarily produces pistol-mounted red dot optics, mounting plates, and custom-cut slide work, and has gained a reputation in the competitive firearms market.
As tariffs on imports surged, the financial ramifications became evident. For example, importing an electric forklift previously valued at $38,000 would now range between $110,000 and $130,000 domestically, making it a steep investment. With the new tariffs, the cost to import the forklift was anticipated to reach approximately $93,100, a figure still cheaper than domestic options but considerably beyond what Holly could budget.
To navigate these exorbitant costs, Holly struck deals with both offshore manufacturing partners and local customers to distribute the financial burden of tariffs more evenly. However, as rates continued increasing, Holly made the critical decision to halt overseas manufacturing until a viable agreement could be brokered between the U.S. and China. This strategy highlights the broader implications of tariffs on American manufacturing and the strains they place on small businesses.
Despite these challenges, Holly has strategically stockpiled six months of product in a newly opened facility in Richmond Hill, allowing C&H Precision to maintain operations temporarily. Normal scheduling for production typically occurs 6 to 12 months in advance, which complicates rapid adaptation to changing tariff conditions. Moreover, Holly is contemplating relocating all operations to the U.S. Yet, he acknowledges that labor efficiency and sourcing equipment domestically presents further obstacles.
The implications of tariffs extend beyond Holly’s business, affecting various sectors in Pembroke. Tiffany Zeigler, the mayor of Pembroke, noted that businesses are grappling with increased prices in essential industries such as flooring, hardware, and building materials due to tariffs. Zeigler’s own store, Owens Supply Company, is working diligently with suppliers to maintain affordability despite the increasing costs associated with imported materials.
Overall, while the intention behind tariffs is to protect American manufacturers, the consequences can be detrimental for businesses like C&H Precision and others in Pembroke. Holly concurs that although tariffs can incentivize companies to operate with greater efficiency, the immediate impacts pose a challenge, particularly for small enterprises that rely on imported components.
As the landscape of U.S.-China trade continues to evolve, Holly and other local business owners remain vigilant, exploring solutions that will allow them to thrive amidst the complexities introduced by the current tariff structure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Connect Savannah: Tariffs Talk Breakfast
- WSAV: Savannah DBA Hosts Tariffs Talk Breakfast
- Savannah Business Journal: Tariffs Talk Breakfast
- Politico: Savannah Georgia Tariffs
- LaGrange News: Impact of Recent Tariffs
- Wikipedia: Tariff
- Google Search: Tariffs Impact on Business
- Google Scholar: Tariff Effects on Local Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tariff
- Google News: Tariffs 2025
