Navigating Tariffs: What They Mean for Fractional Horsepower Electric Motors and Your Business

February 20, 2025

In today’s global economy, businesses that rely on fractional horsepower (FHP) electric
motors are increasingly concerned about the impact of tariffs on imported motors. Understanding these tariffs and implementing effective strategies can help mitigate potential cost increases and supply chain disruptions.

Understanding Tariffs on Imported Motors

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods, affecting the final cost of products like electric motors and gear motors. For instance, increased tariffs on raw materials such as steel and aluminum can raise production costs for motor manufacturers, leading to higher prices for consumers.

Strategies to Mitigate Cost Increases

  1. Domestic Sourcing: Exploring U.S.-based manufacturers can reduce exposure to tariffs.
    As a U.S.-based manufacturer, Groschopp specializes in producing high-quality AC,
    PMDC, Brushless DC and Universal motors domestically, offering a range of standard
    and customized solutions.
  2. Supply Chain Diversification: Sourcing components from countries with favorable
    trade agreements can help avoid high tariffs. Diversifying suppliers ensures a more
    resilient supply chain.
  3. Bulk Purchasing & Long-Term Contracts: Negotiating bulk purchases or long-term
    contracts with suppliers can lock in current prices, providing a buffer against future tariff
    increases.
  4. Investing in Energy-Efficient Motors: Opting for energy-efficient motors can lead to
    significant savings in operational costs. For example, a ½ hp motor with 70% efficiency
    requires an input power of 533 W. Running this motor 8 hours a day, 7 days a week,
    results in an annual operating cost of $186.24 at an electrical rate of 12 cents/kWh.
    Improving efficiency can reduce these costs.

The Importance of Quality and Efficiency

Investing in high-quality, efficient motors reduces the need for frequent replacements and lowers
energy consumption. Groschopp offers a variety of resources to help businesses select the right
motor for their applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

How Groschopp Can Assist

As an American manufacturer, Groschopp is committed to providing durable and serviceable
FHP electric motors. Our team offers custom engineering services to design motors tailored to
your specific needs, helping you reduce dependence on high-tariff imports.


Planning for the Future

Staying informed about tariff changes and trade policies is crucial. Collaborate with trusted
partners to maintain pricing stability and product availability. Investing in sustainable and
efficient motor solutions will help your business remain competitive in a fluctuating market.

Navigating tariffs can be challenging, but with the right strategies, businesses can minimize cost
impacts while maintaining high-quality motor performance.

Need assistance finding a cost-effective motor solution? Contact Groschopp today!

How to use the Motor Search Tool

Narrow your search by selecting motor type, gearbox, voltage, and phase options for your desired motor.

Select a dominant variable: choose one of the three parameters to narrow your search. The selected variable determines which slider bar you will be able to manually move.

Use the slider corresponding to your dominant variable to further narrow your motor selection. The other sliders will automatically move to show available ranges based on the range of your selected variable.

Results will upload as your search criteria changes. If you have any questions regarding your results or how to use the search tool, you can chat with us using the green tab on the left-hand side of your screen.


Note: Groschopp Universal motors are custom built to fit your application so no additional options are available to narrow the search. Selecting the Universal motor type will prompt a message taking you to the Universal product page.

Not sure what you need?

One of our team members would be happy to help. Contact us at 800-829-4135 or by email at sales@groschopp.com. You can also chat with us using the green tab on the left side of your screen.

send us an email

Universal Motors

Groschopp Universal motors are custom built to fit your application so no additional options are available to narrow the search. Standard frame sizes and motor features can be found on the Universal page.

go to Universal page