SEL founder Edmund Schweitzer says proposed tariff could cost company 150M this year

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) estimates it could face a $150 million tax bill this year if a proposed 100% tariff on semiconductors is enacted. Founder Edmund O. Schweitzer III stated that this amount accounts for nearly half of the company's income, translating to over $20,000 per employee. With 2,835 employees in Pullman and a total workforce of 7,414, SEL plays a crucial role in the regional economy. Current tariffs from the Trump administration already impose significant costs, and the potential semiconductor tariff would further complicate operations.

Supply chain director Kelly VanNuland explained that semiconductors, vital for SEL's products, are predominantly imported, making domestic manufacturing challenging. This situation has prompted SEL to postpone new building projects and cut back on research and development. Schweitzer warned that rising prices could give foreign competitors an edge in the market. The company is already grappling with an estimated cost of $14,000 per employee due to existing tariffs, highlighting the urgent need for a reassessment of trade policies.