Mass. governor, business leaders warn tariffs are harming investment; state to use Mass Leads Act and quasi agencies to help

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey convened state and business leaders at a news briefing to say President Trump’s recent tariffs are creating “chaos and uncertainty” that is forcing businesses to delay investments, pause hiring and, in some cases, lay off workers. She urged federal action while pledging that her administration will use existing state tools and the recently passed Mass Leads Act to help companies manage near‑term cost pressures.

The move brought together state economic officials, trade and business association leaders and company representatives to describe how tariffs and the threat of additional reciprocal duties have raised input costs and interrupted supply chains. “We cannot continue to have our economy in Massachusetts and around this country held hostage,” Healey said. “Families are not able to budget, businesses aren't able to invest, workers can't plan their retirements.”

Why it matters: Speakers described the tariffs as a drain on consumer purchasing power and on small and medium employers that rely on imported goods or integrated supply chains. Business leaders said the uncertainty — not only the duties themselves but the possibility of…