Fact check: Are u.s. companies leaving the u.s. tariffs

1. Summary of the results

The relationship between U.S. companies and tariffs is complex and multifaceted. While there is evidence of companies leaving or reducing U.S. operations, with 89% canceling orders and 75% expecting reduced consumer spending ^[1], there's also a concurrent trend of companies moving operations back to the U.S. For instance, Honda is planning to produce its Civic Hybrid in Indiana, and Eli Lilly is investing $27 billion in new U.S. manufacturing sites ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original query:

• The U.S. tariff rate has dramatically increased from 2% to over 20% in early 2025 ^[3]
• Major companies like Best Buy, Macy's, Target, Walmart, Ford, and General Motors have specifically lowered forecasts due to tariff impacts ^[4]
• Many iconic American brands including Craftsman, Gibson, New Balance, KitchenAid, and Harley-Davidson have moved manufacturing overseas due to production costs ^[5]
• Only 10% of Fortune 100 companies have publicly addressed tariffs on social media, suggesting a more cautious approach rather than immediate action ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original query oversimplifies a complex situation. Here are important considerations:

• Corporate Response Variation: Rather than simply "leaving," companies are developing strategic responses and scenario plans ^[7]
• Industry-Specific Impact: Manufacturing, Energy, and Automotive sectors are most vocal about tariff impacts ^[6]
• Political Context: Tariffs are being used as a strategic tool to "punish" certain countries and encourage domestic manufacturing ^[2]

Those benefiting from pushing various narratives include:

• Domestic manufacturers benefit from highlighting companies returning to the U.S.
• International competitors benefit from emphasizing companies leaving
• Political actors benefit from using tariffs as leverage in international relations