Congressman Fry and Labor Secretary Visit Myrtle Beach

News Summary

Congressman Russell Fry and U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic growth and tariffs. They highlighted job creation linked to tariff policies and toured local businesses to gauge the economic sentiment. The visit underscores ongoing debates about tariffs, their benefits, and potential burdens on American businesses amidst efforts to boost the local economy following the pandemic.

Myrtle Beach, SC – On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Congressman Russell Fry and U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to highlight the region’s economic growth and discuss the implications of recent tariff policies. The visit was part of DeRemer’s extensive “America at Work” listening tour across the United States, aimed at understanding various labor and economic challenges faced by different regions.

Fry and DeRemer began their visit by addressing local reporters, where they emphasized the successes attributed to the American economy and workforce during the Trump administration. The Labor Secretary noted that approximately 600,000 new jobs have been created as a direct result of tariff policies on imported goods. Specifically, a 15% tariff on imported products from the European Union was mentioned as having heightened taxes on these goods.

While DeRemer hailed this as a beneficial strategy for job creation and economic growth, the discussion also revealed a split in opinions about the impact of tariffs. On one hand, supporters argue that increased costs for imported goods encourage domestic consumption and provide a boost to U.S. industries. Conversely, critics are concerned that these tariff measures might place short-term burdens on American businesses, potentially outweighing the long-term benefits.

Fry underscored the positive outcomes of trade negotiations that have managed to reduce tariffs on American goods in foreign markets, making them more accessible to international buyers. The Congressman noted that the dual role of tariffs includes protecting American workers and enhancing government revenue, ultimately leading to more favorable trade agreements. This was framed within the context of fulfilling the Trump administration’s commitment to “level the playing field” for American businesses.

DeRemer’s visit included touring various local businesses along the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions. The aim was to observe firsthand the ongoing effects of economic policies on the ground and gauge the overall sentiment from business owners regarding the current economic climate. However, access to media coverage was restricted; a request from News13 to accompany the officials during their visit was denied citing security concerns.

The visit falls within a broader narrative of economic resurgence in regions like Myrtle Beach, where tourism and retail sectors are vital components of the local economy. As the nation continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, officials are focusing on policies that support job creation and strengthen national industries. The local economy’s dependence on tourism also highlights the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in employment opportunities and business growth.

Background context shows that tariffs have been a contentious issue in American economic policy. While tariffs can protect domestic industries from foreign competition, they may also lead to increased costs for consumers and strain relationships with trading partners. As such, balancing these factors remains a significant challenge for policymakers.

In conclusion, the visit by Congressman Fry and Secretary DeRemer served to reinforce the importance of ongoing discussions about economic growth, job creation, and the implications of tariffs on local businesses. As the nation navigates its economic recovery, the outcomes of such visits and discussions will be pivotal in shaping future economic policies. Observations from the Myrtle Beach area may offer insights applicable to other regions undergoing similar economic scenarios.

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Additional Resources

• Myrtle Beach Online
• Wikipedia: Tariffs in the United States
• Manning Live
• Google Search: U.S. labor market trends
• WLTX
• Google Scholar: American economic policy tariffs
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tariff
• 247 Wall St.
• Google News: American industries growth

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.