Local businesses weigh in on impact of tariffs

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Local business owners are voicing concerns and bracing for steep price increases following the U.S. tariff rate on Chinese imports. 

Though the administration recently announced a 90-day pause on most of the tax hikes, defaulting to a 10% tariff on almost all imports, except Chinese imports which is continuing to rise, small local businesses are bracing for the impact in the months and even years ahead.  

According to the Trump administration, the tariffs are part of fair-trade policies that will restore the workforce and rebuild the economy.  

However, for a small local business in downtown St. Joseph—the Lucky Tiger—these tariffs could change how the company is run and what products are used to keep it afloat. 

“I’m one of the few that’s lucky to have a resale business,” said Amy Heath, owner at The Lucky Tiger. “It won’t impact me for the time being but production issues are going to affect everybody down the road. Even things like brown bags that I put my merchandise in when I sell to customers, I may have to start thinking of other options.” 

Tariffs, regardless of the origin of imported products, can reduce overall customer traffic as consumers shift their focus to essential needs rather than supporting local shopping. 

“People are going to be focusing on what is most important, which are groceries and the things that they have to buy,” Heath said. “So, they're going to cut back on going out to eat, shopping at little boutiques.” 

President Donald Trump’s latest tariff on Chinese products could also impact America's most iconic holiday, the Fourth of July, as most fireworks are imported from China.

Producing the product in the United States is almost impossible, which is why some fireworks store owners are now on edge. 

“99% on the consumer side of fireworks are being imported from China and 75% from the display market,” said Stacy Blake, President of the National Fireworks Association. “The display market is one that you see at county fairs, baseball games, etc. The consumer fireworks are what you see behind me here, where the general public can come in and buy fireworks for the season.” 

Blake said prices won’t go up immediately for the consumer but they’re mainly worried about July 4, 2026. 

“It’s going to be very detrimental, especially going into next year,” she said. “This year we do have a lot of fireworks already in the States but there are still containers over in China and at this point, most importers have put a hold on those containers at the moment. So, there may be some shortages right now.” 

Next year marks the celebration of the Semiquincentennial—250 years—and retailers are concerned about how they’ll obtain fireworks for the occasion, especially if it means paying double the cost 

“We are currently fighting this and trying just to educate the public,” said Blake. “We're meeting with legislators daily and if you love fireworks, we are asking you to go to our call of action because we need to be heard.” 

To speak out against the significant impact of tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks, community members are encouraged to join advocacy efforts by visiting https://www.nationalfireworks.com/tariffs.