Tariffs may increase everyday goods prices on Florida’s Gulf Coast, even Botox

President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war is beginning to impact everyday Americans, starting with their wallets.New tariffs on imported goods are causing prices to rise, and residents along the Gulf Coast are starting to feel the financial pressure.One example is Xeomin, a wrinkle treatment similar to Botox that is produced in Germany. The product is now facing a 15% tariff, meaning patients could soon see higher costs for cosmetic injections.Kathy, of Cape Coral, who has been getting Botox treatments for seven years, said she plans to continue, regardless of price increases. She said, “Yes, of course.”Billy Morris, a physician’s assistant at a Cape Coral medical spa, said his business is likely to be affected. He explained that as tariffs go into effect, especially on goods from countries like Germany, the costs are expected to rise. Morris said, “I’m probably sure I’m going to pay more than I’d like to for it.”Morris is also preparing to open a new Laser Lounge Spa location in Babcock Ranch. He said a large portion of his equipment and supplies are sourced internationally.“We’re getting a lot of our stuff from overseas,” he said.While a 15% spike could be a concern, Morris believes minor price hikes won’t drastically affect his business, adding,“I don’t suspect small increases are going to make a difference,” Morris said.Abby Encarnacion, a Cape Coral resident who has received Botox for four years, said she wouldn’t stop treatments even if prices increase.“I would still find a way,” she said.Encarnacion also noted that tariffs have affected more than cosmetic procedures.“Back-to-school shopping was not easy,” she said, adding that she managed despite the challenges.Even discount stores like Dollar Tree have raised prices. Items that once cost $1 now sell for $1.50, with potential increases to $1.75 or more.Sue Bolen of Fort Myers said the price hikes are difficult for families.“It makes me sad for families. It’s getting expensive for them and their kids,” Bolen said. Katie Ross, also from Fort Myers, expressed concern about broader economic impacts.“They’re going to take all things we find pleasurable and make them so expensive that we’re not even going to be able to enjoy them,” Ross said. Both women shared their thoughts on the president’s approach to tariffs. Bolen said she understands the motive behind the policy, but hopes for moderation. “I also think he can ease up a little,” she said. “We’re just scraping by the best we can, and we need help.”DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war is beginning to impact everyday Americans, starting with their wallets.

New tariffs on imported goods are causing prices to rise, and residents along the Gulf Coast are starting to feel the financial pressure.

One example is Xeomin, a wrinkle treatment similar to Botox that is produced in Germany. The product is now facing a 15% tariff, meaning patients could soon see higher costs for cosmetic injections.

Kathy, of Cape Coral, who has been getting Botox treatments for seven years, said she plans to continue, regardless of price increases. She said, “Yes, of course.”

Billy Morris, a physician’s assistant at a Cape Coral medical spa, said his business is likely to be affected. He explained that as tariffs go into effect, especially on goods from countries like Germany, the costs are expected to rise. Morris said, “I’m probably sure I’m going to pay more than I’d like to for it.”

Morris is also preparing to open a new Laser Lounge Spa location in Babcock Ranch. He said a large portion of his equipment and supplies are sourced internationally.

“We’re getting a lot of our stuff from overseas,” he said.

While a 15% spike could be a concern, Morris believes minor price hikes won’t drastically affect his business, adding,

“I don’t suspect small increases are going to make a difference,” Morris said.

Abby Encarnacion, a Cape Coral resident who has received Botox for four years, said she wouldn’t stop treatments even if prices increase.

“I would still find a way,” she said.

Encarnacion also noted that tariffs have affected more than cosmetic procedures.

“Back-to-school shopping was not easy,” she said, adding that she managed despite the challenges.

Even discount stores like Dollar Tree have raised prices. Items that once cost $1 now sell for $1.50, with potential increases to $1.75 or more.

Sue Bolen of Fort Myers said the price hikes are difficult for families.

“It makes me sad for families. It’s getting expensive for them and their kids,” Bolen said.

Katie Ross, also from Fort Myers, expressed concern about broader economic impacts.

“They’re going to take all things we find pleasurable and make them so expensive that we’re not even going to be able to enjoy them,” Ross said.

Both women shared their thoughts on the president’s approach to tariffs. Bolen said she understands the motive behind the policy, but hopes for moderation.

“I also think he can ease up a little,” she said. “We’re just scraping by the best we can, and we need help.”

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.