CPA CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT OF ATLAS TOOL WORKS, INC.
Zachary Justin Mottl is the fourth generation of his family to own and operate Atlas Tool Works. The company, founded in 1918, is a world class precision manufacturing facility offering a broad array of metal manufacturing services. Key markets include: Defense and Aerospace, Medical, Telecom and Electronics, and Industrial products.
In his current role as President, Zach works not only to increase business with new and existing customers, but also to engage in outreach, develop strategy, and find operational improvements at Atlas and the family’s related businesses including Accushim Inc. and Abet Industries.
Zach is an advocate for the value and importance of domestic manufacturing in any healthy state or national economic model and has testified before Congress on several occasions.
Zach serves on many boards and organizations including, the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), the Cyber Security Committee at MXD, and Illinois Military Economic Development Committee.
Few economic policies generate as much conversation as tariffs. Supporters see them as a way to rebuild domestic industry and rebalance supply chains. Critics argue they are little more than a tax on American consumers. For years, economists have tried to settle the question of who actually pays – and they have not all come to the same conclusion.
Once year-ending 2025 trade data is released in February, we will be looking at another $1 trillion deficit. Assuming the monthly goods deficit for November and December looks like the low October goods deficit of $58.5 billion, the U.S. will record a minimum $1.17 trillion goods gap for 2025, the second largest trade deficit since 2024’s $1.2 trillion barnstormer.
China’s trade surplus has crossed a dangerous threshold. In 2025, it exceeded $1 trillion for the first time, surpassing the previous record of $993 billion.
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) turns 50 years old this year, and it still has lots to learn. The main disruptor – China – has ultimately added new layers to CFIUS oversight, but this oversight is in its infancy.
