Trump-supporting grocer says he may shut down – Business News
A grocery store that has served a Florida group for more than 4 many years is on the brink of closure as a result of of tariffs, based on the proprietor, who voted for President Trump in 2024.
John Wong, who co-founded Wong Kai Imports together with his two brothers after the household immigrated to the US from Hong Kong, informed NPR that Trump’s tariffs have compelled him to raise costs on items by as a lot as 35%.
He stated his immigrant household, which managed to make a residing and thrive in its adopted nation by beginning a profitable business within the coastal city of Bradenton, Fla., close to Tampa is dealing with an unsure future.
“Is that American dream? I don’t think so,” Wong lamented.
David, John and Sam Wong, brothers who co-founded Wong Kai Imports close to Tampa, Fla., pose in entrance of their warehouse on this undated picture. Manatee County Public Library Historical Image Digital Collection
Wong, who voted for Trump as a result of he thought that result in decrease costs, stated he has had prospects begging him to not close his grocery store, which imports genuine Asian cooking necessities.
“I talked to a lot of customers. They told me, ‘Mr. Wong, don’t close,’” the businessman informed NPR.
“I said, ‘I’ll try, but it’s hard.’”
The Post couldn’t instantly attain Wong for remark.
A White House spokesperson defended Trump’s tariff insurance policies.
“The Administration has consistently maintained that the cost of tariffs will ultimately be paid by the foreign exporters who rely on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market,” a White House spokesperson informed The Post on Monday.
Wong’s grocery store has served the local people in Bradenton, Fla., for more than 4 many years. Facebook / Wong Kai Imports
“As tariffs secure new trade deals and trillions in investments to make and hire in America, the Administration is simultaneously implementing a pro-growth agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance for big and small businesses alike to thrive again as they did during President Trump’s first term.”
Last week, the Trump administration introduced it could eradicate tariffs on espresso, bananas, different food imports and choose textile merchandise from 4 Latin American international locations in a bid to decrease costs for American customers.
But Wong’s merchandise come from different elements of the world — like China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam — and the grocer says he has had bother holding costs down within the face of levies on these international locations.
“All the suppliers, they’re going up 35% across the board. And what are you going to do? I mean, nothing we can do,” he informed NPR.
The value of a in style model of sauce for spicy mapo-style tofu doubled over the previous 12 months, Wong stated.
“It came in at $2.75 last year … then it went up to $3.95 … yesterday it came in at $5,” he was quoted as saying. “I mean, it doesn’t make any sense.”
Some of Wong’s frequent prospects lamented the prospect of the grocery store’s closure.
Marilyn McKibben informed NPR that she outlets on the store for every thing from sampalok, rice and greens — ingredients that she makes use of to cook Filipino soup sinigang.
Wong informed NPR that he may be compelled to shutter his business because of steep price will increase brought on by tariffs. Facebook / Wong Kai Imports
“It’s very convenient on me, you know? That’s why I’m so sad,” she informed NPR.
This 12 months has seen the Trump administration dramatically expanded its tariff regime, impacting key Asian trading companions and including new layers of duties that pushed up import prices for retailers like Wong.
After months of fluctuations, US tariffs on sure Chinese merchandise stand round 45%. That’s after Trump not too long ago lowered a particular levy tied to the US battle in opposition to Chinese fentanyl.
Vietnamese items are at the moment subject to a 20% reciprocal levy, although sure merchandise would qualify for a zero-tariff charge below a new framework settlement the 2 international locations are finalizing.
As half of that deal, Vietnam has agreed to eradicate tariffs on more than 99% of US exports.
Trump administration officers stated that the fee of tariffs “will ultimately be paid by the foreign exporters who rely on access to the American economy.” Getty Images
Thailand faces a related construction, with a 19% reciprocal tariff in place and restricted exemptions for choose imports.
Bangkok has dedicated to phasing out tariffs on 99% of American items because the Trump administration has moved to scale back or cut its present 19% levy on Thai items.
Imports from the Philippines are subject to a 19% reciprocal tariff, too.
