Vancouver Meeting Highlights Tariff Impact on Local Businesses

In a recent gathering in Vancouver, Washington, Senator Patty Murray engaged with local business owners to examine the impact of tariffs on their operations. The meeting highlighted the struggles faced by various industries, including food service and retail, as they navigate rising costs attributed to these trade policies. Sonny Mouy, who owns Short and Sweet Boba Shop, reported significant price increases for essential supplies. He noted, "Our bubble tea supplies, which mainly get imported from Japan, Taiwan and China, I'm seeing across the board an increase of about 25 to 28% on just those cost of goods. There are non-food items, cost of goods such as cups, packaging and straws. We're seeing anywhere from a 26 to 32% increase." The meeting also shed light on the footwear industry's challenges. Alan O’Hara of When the Shoe Fits expressed concerns about the ongoing loss of domestic shoe production. With Vietnam becoming a crucial supplier, he highlighted the possible repercussions of looming tariffs, stating, “There were threats of 43% reciprocal tariffs, which was going to put $150 retail shoe for us, up to $225, which really changes things.” He emphasized the uncertainty that surrounds production and ordering cycles due to potential tariff changes. Janet Kenefsky from the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce discussed the broader implications for local businesses. She stated, “What worries us at the Greater Vancouver Chamber most is a lot of our manufacturers, a lot of our retailers, a lot of the supply chain they're working on inventory right now that is not–not taxed yet, not tariffed. So when they get to that that's adding insult to injury.” Kenefsky stressed that business owners are feeling the pressure across various sectors, citing longer working hours and hesitance in hiring as significant factors impacting consumer spending. “They’re working more hours,” she noted. “They might not be hiring as much staff. And that has a big burden on the consumer spending. It has a big burden on the entire supply chain.” Amid these discussions, Murray remarked on the prolonged conversations about tariffs and their tangible effects. She asserted, “Congress can do something about this. We can actually take back our control of these tariffs. But right now, Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House, and they have not joined with us to do that.” Murray emphasized her intention to communicate the concerns raised during the meeting to her Republican colleagues, aiming to foster bipartisan efforts for policy adjustments that could alleviate some of the burdens on local businesses. Tesla ‘fully engulfed’ in flames, dead driver ID’d after wrong-way I-84 crash Intoxicated fugitive accused of Montana ‘vandalism spree’ damaged dozens of Salem vehicles: police For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.