President Donald Trump announced new 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, steel and other goods, prompting small-business owners to warn of higher prices for consumers and disruptions across several industries.<\/p>\n
The new tariffs apply to $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including certain types of alcohol, most clothing and hockey sticks. They also affect jewelry, honey, toys, dog leashes, collars and harnesses, some Christmas ornaments, furniture and 36 types of plywood.<\/p>\n
Jesse Brager, owner of Rittenhouse Hardware, said prices are already rising on products ranging from cleaning supplies to screws.<\/p>\n
“As soon as tariffs hit, our products go up,” Brager said.<\/p>\n
Brager cited several examples of rising costs.<\/p>\n
“Two by four went from $5 up to, I think I’m now at $12 to $14 for one two by 4,” he said. “Plastic flowerpots have gone up 20% because the oil to make them went up.”<\/p>\n
“The standard roll of wire to wire light switches and outlets has doubled in price,” he added.<\/p>\n
Brager said he has little choice but to pass higher costs along to customers. However, he warned that businesses can raise prices only so much before demand falls.<\/p>\n
“We just have to keep raising prices, but there’s a breaking point where people say this is too much. Then we have to back our profits down, which hurts us. We can’t pay as many people, buy as many things,” Brager said.<\/p>\n
Tariffs on plywood are expected to increase construction costs, potentially affecting hardware stores even when contractors purchase lumber elsewhere.<\/p>\n
“When building is affected, our store is affected too because they may not be buying the lumber here, but then there’s less building and contractors are going to buy less screws, caulk and things involved,” Brager said.<\/p>\n
Consumers in the middle of construction projects should review their contracts because builders may be permitted to charge more when material prices increase.<\/p>\n
Brager said he began looking for more American-made products after an earlier round of tariffs, but domestic alternatives can be difficult to find.<\/p>\n
“When the first big round of tariffs started, I started to look at if I can get more products that are American made, which is hard to do… It’s really hard to find American-made,” he said.<\/p>\n
Prices for some American-made products have also risen because of previous tariffs. Brager said tools made in Pennsylvania, for example, have become more expensive because of tariffs on steel.<\/p>\n
The trade dispute is expected to intensify, with Canada vowing to impose its own 50% tariff on U.S. goods beginning Sept. 8.<\/p>\n
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