Submitted by: Susan D Kelly

Although President Trump is comfortable wheeling and dealing in the business world, there doesnt seem to be a clear-cut answer to this question. Many of the leading promotional products companies feel ambivalent. They are excited about the many potentialities, yet trepidatious about any possible fallout, either of which could occur with this Presidency. In fact, this President was elected amidst turmoil and much heated debate that havent lessened even with his inauguration.

The potentiality with the most appeal to all businesses would be the much-needed boost given to the American economy. A boost to the economy increases confidence, increased confidence increases business growth, and that affects sales of promotional products.

A major concern for many was that sales would plummet once Trump was elected. So far, however, for the beginning of 2017, sales are up by a higher percentage then some have seen in the past ten years of operation. There are several contributing factors to this boom but reasons for these still illicit conflicting emotions.

First, since President Trump, despite controversy, is a successful businessman some confidence comes from him just being him. Because of Trumps ability to take advantage of the free market, other entrepreneurs are feeling more confident since they have a friend in office. This has lead some companies to change plans of taking operations outside the United States to keeping those jobs here at home. An increase in individuals having employment means an increase in spending, boosting the economy.

Then, there is the promise to abrogate regulations that have been imposed by the government to the detriment of American businesses. According to Trumps campaign: Every year, overregulation costs our economy $2 trillion dollars and reduces household wealth by almost $15,000. The President has plans to waylay any new regulations not driven by public safety or Congress, and to work on removing all regulations that might strangle jobs. If kept, these promises could increase company operations in the United States, helping to encourage economic growth.

President Trumps tax reform plans include the paring of the top marginal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 15%, the third highest in the world as of 2014, and the riddance of the death tax. A little tax relief is yet another way to relieve business cost stresses and encourage business growth.

Another potentiality is health care costs. President Trump has plans to replace Obama Care with a less expensive alternative. This would make it possible for companies to find lower cost health care plans from the current expensive options. There is also talk of making health companies keep to intrastate sales. The hope is that this would make the insurance market more competitive thereby lowering the cost for both companies and their employees. Once again, more on-hand cash encourages company growth and a possible increase in promotional products to go with that growth.

Despite the excitement in the potentialities discussed, there are no guarantees that matters will head in the hoped for direction. While the changes could bring about much economic growth and stability, there is worry that President Trumps lack of political experience, his controversial views on immigration, and his explosive disposition will cause problems that could be costly.

One area of great concern is our relationship with Mexico and China. Many promotional product companies have their merchandise manufactured outside the United States. With talk of levying tariffs on imported goods, building walls to divide us from Mexico, and threats of trade cases being filed on China, some fear the backlash that could be forthcoming.

With so much controversy and unrest surrounding this presidency it is easy to understand the ambivalence felt by the promotional product industry. There are so many variables that could swing the results in one direction or the other. Being hopeful of the outcome, companies that rely on sales, including the promotional product companies, will do what theyve always had to do to be successful, adapt.

About the Author: Susan Kelly manages

SweatshirtStation.com

, a casual clothing retailer specializing in corporate apparel for businesses and teams.

Source:

isnare.com

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