Pennsylvania is having a rough 2025, as the trade war takes its toll on manufacturing.
After a rough series of recent factory closures all across the state (ok, fine, technically commonwealth), Pennsylvania has unfortunately recently lost even more factories.
Including plants operated by some big names – which signals that even iconic brands with lots of resources are pulling back spending in the wake of all the economic issues we’re experiencing at the national level.
Here are five plants across Pennsylvania that recently closed or announced plans to:
- Two Tyson Foods plants in Philadelphia, with 229 jobs impacted
- Pladis snack factory in Mohnton – 55 jobs lost
- Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate factory in Hazleton – with 100+ layoffs
- United Natural Foods Inc. distribution center in Allentown – 716 jobs impacted
While of course every business has specific factors that lead to its decision to close a plant and lay off workers…the fact is that these are all happening agains the backdrop of the broader economic picture across the American food sector.
Ongoing inflation, labor shortages, and shifting consumer tastes have been part of the picture for the last few years, creating strain and difficulties across the board.
And then the 2025 trade war launched – spurring boycotts of American goods around the world and increasing complexity as tariffs and retaliatory tariffs take effect, are paused, are redoubled, and are adjusted further.
This has a hugely negative impact on the business environment, especially the food sector (which houses many major American exports including soybeans, corn, wheat, and all kinds of packaged snacks), and so it’s no wonder that so many employers are cutting production and costs.
But that’s cold comfort to all the workers who recently lost their jobs. Please join us in wishing them well, and share this story widely!
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