New Jersey Businesses Face Challenges Amid Trump’s Tariff Policy
In the unfolding narrative of U.S. trade policies, New Jersey’s local enterprises are facing significant hurdles due to the tariff initiatives endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, has publicly supported these tariffs, viewing them as a strategic move to address trade imbalances.
During a radio interview on March 4, Ciattarelli referred to Trump’s tariffs as a “grand experiment” aimed at correcting trade discrepancies and enforcing accountability among foreign trading partners. He remarked, “The president has told us that there’s going to be some pain, but he’s also told us that we’re not going to be pushed around … [and] not going to be exploited by foreign countries that don’t follow the rules and take advantage of our consumer markets.”
However, the effects of these tariffs have been felt acutely by local businesses. According to a report from the Associated Press, Fishtown, a seafood supplier located in Haddonfield, is experiencing complications due to the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs on Canadian goods, particularly oysters.
Fishtown’s owner, Bryan Szeliga, expressed his concerns: “I’m a smaller business, and I’m not really staffed, equipped, and knowledgeable enough to know how to navigate tariffs.” He highlighted the difficulty of operating under such uncertainty, questioning whether tariffs would be implemented or not. Szeliga even took on the extra cost of tariffs on Canadian oysters himself to avoid burdening his customers.
Other businesses in New Jersey are also bracing for potential price increases. A car dealership in Mendham anticipates a $10,000 to $20,000 rise in vehicle prices due to tariffs on cars and parts. Similarly, liquor stores are preparing for higher costs as tariffs on European wines loom, leading them to stockpile inventory to mitigate immediate impacts.
David Moore, co-founder of Moore Brothers Wine Company in Pennsauken, shared with WPVI News their proactive approach: “We don’t know what to expect, except we are doing everything we can to bring in enough wine to make sure at least in the short term we’re protected.”
Despite these challenges, Ciattarelli’s campaign emphasizes his commitment to making New Jersey more affordable and his support for small businesses. He stated on social media, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, bring people together, and give our neighborhoods their unique character.”
There’s also the looming threat of retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners, such as China and Mexico, which could further impact New Jersey’s economy. Notably, China has responded with a 125% tariff on American goods after the U.S. imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports.
The Ciattarelli campaign has yet to provide an official comment on these developments.
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