Local businesses are bracing for the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect next week.
The current tariffs have left businesses across the Inland Northwest on edge, especially those who rely on business with Canada. Washington state imports billions of dollars in goods annually from Canada, including essential equipment for construction and manufacturing sectors.
Tim Thomas, president of Bouten Construction in Spokane, said the situation remains volatile.
“We don’t know from one day to the next what the administration might be imposing tariff-wise,” Thomas said.
Since March, when the trade tensions began, Bouten Construction has not seen a severe impact, but the uncertainty has pushed the company to set aside contingency funds for potential tariffs.
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“The tariff thing is really the whole wildcard in the situation,” Thomas added.
Similarly, local businesses like Arrotta’s Mitsubishi dealership are feeling the effects.
Owner Jeremy Arrotta reported troubles obtaining car parts, leading to delays in repairs that have extended customer wait times by up to a month. He believes sales will be the next victim.
“It could be anywhere from 5 to 10% [increase in price] is what [manufacturers are] saying,” Arrotta said.
To prepare, the dealership has begun advertising that current prices may not last much longer. “We are still doing okay, but we definitely see the impact coming,” Arrotta said.
In the face of rising costs due to tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials, Bouten Construction is working to keep business running smoothly.
“We’re just carrying extra money and looking for alternative ways to build a part of a project with alternative materials,” said Thomas.
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