Ecolab Slaps 5% Fee On Customers As Trump's Tariffs Take Effect

ST. PAUL, MN — Ecolab Inc. will impose a 5 percent trade surcharge on all solutions and services sold in the U.S. starting May 1, the St. Paul-based corporation announced Wednesday, citing rising costs from President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

Ecolab sells water, hygiene, and infection prevention products to industries around the world. The company reported $16 billion in annual sales, employs about 48,000 people, and operates in more than 170 countries.

"Global tariffs greater than 10 percent and the 145 percent tariff placed on China are having broader impacts on the cost of raw materials, packaging, and equipment," Christophe Beck, Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Because of proactive actions we have taken in our supply chain, we are currently able to limit the price increase to 5 percent for our customers in the United States."

Ecolab said it expects its supply chain moves to help keep costs in check for customers and shareholders but warned the surcharge could change if global trade conditions shift.

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