Colorado Springs Businesses Brace for Impact: How Trump’s New Tariffs Will Challenge Local Commerce

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The White House will introduce new tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China starting Saturday. This means a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on those from China.

President Trump said these tariffs aim to encourage cooperation from these countries. He believes they will help tackle issues like illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. Additionally, he argues that these tariffs will support American manufacturing and generate more revenue for the federal government.

Local businesses could feel the impact of these tariffs. One owner, Roberto Osorio of El Quetzal, expressed concern. He mentioned that if costs go up, customers might stay away. “Everything is getting more expensive,” he said, “and if we have to pay more to bring goods here, those costs will eventually fall on the customers.”

Economist Tatiana Bailey worries about the potential rise in inflation and the effect on the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With so many goods imported, she believes these tariffs could hurt economic growth. She hopes the administration will consider exemptions for essential items, like oil, which could help stabilize the economy.