Trump's tariffs kill NC sawmill

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 01.01.26

On April 2, Trump announced worldwide tariffs, including a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. When China retaliated with a 125% tariff on U.S. goods, Chinese demand for American products collapsed. Trump called it “Liberation Day.” For Mackey’s Ferry Sawmill in Roper, North Carolina, it was a nightmare.

Wilson Jones is a sixth-generation lumberman. His great-great-grandfather started the business in 1882. Trump’s tariffs made a third of their revenue disappear. The mill closed on Sept. 29, 2025.

On “Liberation Day,” Jones had $350,000-$400,000 worth of lumber headed to China. “Supporters of tariffs say business owners should absorb the cost of the tariffs without passing it on to consumers,” Jones said. “They don’t seem to understand that we’re in business to make money. The retaliatory tariffs with China put the final nails in the coffin. We couldn’t sell the lumber.” Trump’s tariffs meant Jones took a 40% loss.

“When I say ‘Liberation Day,’ I cannot put enough snark and sarcasm in my voice because we weren’t liberated,” Jones said. “Liberation Day liberated me from our business. It’s taken 38 years of my time, effort, and life inside and outside from me. It’s taken a business that I enjoyed — and I do love the industry — from me.” Jones said it was like “watching a loved one take their final breath.”

Washington County Economic Development Director Kelly Chesson called it “a big blow” to the county. Mackey’s Ferry employed 50 people. Its $2.5 million annual payroll supported 150-200 family members.

Asked if he had a message for Trump, Jones said, “Come down here and look, and don’t just make blanket edicts because that’s the edict of the day. President Trump, gee, I understand what you’re trying to do, but you’re on a fool’s mission. And you’re not helping out a few. You’re hurting a lot.”

Asked if he regretted voting for Trump, Jones said, “Yes, a hundred percent.”

Robert Bannerman

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