EAST ALABAMA, Ala. (WBRC) – President Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, starting March 12.
Two local business owners shared their thoughts on these tariffs, emphasizing their focus on customer care.
Dennis Harker, owner of Big D’s Sports Bar & Grill in Gadsden, supports the president’s move. He believes it’s essential for improving global trade. He anticipates some slight increases in aluminum and beer prices but is committed to not passing those costs on to his customers.
“It’s just part of doing business. We need to be more efficient to keep our prices down. Currently, our prices are competitive, and we aim to maintain that,” Harker said.
In Jacksonville, Josh Stearns, owner of Apothecary Draft House, has a different take. He feels the tariffs mean he’s paying more for aluminum and beer. “If the price of a keg jumps to $260, I’m losing money selling that beer,” he explained. For small businesses, raising prices might be the only choice.
Stearns adds that he’s already making sacrifices to keep his business afloat. “I don’t take a salary. I work full-time elsewhere and can’t absorb large price hikes from tariffs,” he said.
These two owners highlight the different ways tariffs impact small businesses. For now, both are waiting to see how the situation evolves.
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