Since the Trump administration took office, the U.S. has rolled out a series of tariffs that have driven up the cost of imported goods. Consumers are paying more at checkout, and businesses—from auto shops to luxury boutiques—are feeling the squeeze. Meanwhile, these moves have sparked international tensions, with trading partners responding in kind and escalating the global tug-of-war.
To shed light on everyday impacts, CGTN's Stringer spoke with two U.S. entrepreneurs: Albert Solis, an automotive parts salesman, and Viktor Yale, a luxury store owner.
A Parts Salesman's Perspective
Solis says the rising import fees have forced him to rethink pricing across his inventory. "In the end, it is a trade war and is not good for anyone," he warns. "Trust and confidence are essential for conducting business. It is gonna affect us all if the market fails."
Retail on Edge: A Luxury Store Owner's View
Yale echoed these concerns, noting that higher tariffs on premium goods could dampen consumer enthusiasm and squeeze profit margins. While he didn't attach a number to it, the sentiment was clear: unpredictable trade policies make it harder to plan for growth.
As the tariff back-and-forth continues, American businesses and shoppers alike face uncertainty. Whether these measures will ultimately protect domestic industries or simply raise the cost of living is still up for debate—but for now, many insiders agree that escalating trade conflicts come at a price that "just is not good for anyone."
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Tariffs in the eyes of Americans: Trade war 'not good for anyone'
cgtn.com
