Kansas City area appliance stores brace for impact of new steel, aluminum tariffs [Video]

MISSION, Kan. (KCTV) – Starting Wednesday, 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum take effect and local appliance stores are bracing for impact.

The new tariffs could impact the cost of everything from household appliances to office supplies. It’s a move President Donald Trump says is meant to protect America’s steel and aluminum industries.

According to the International Trade Administration, the United States imported 26.2 million metric tons of steel and 5.4 million metric tons of aluminum last year. Canada remains the top source of foreign metal.

Local stores like The Appliance Shark say they try to keep prices fair. But with looming tariffs and increased restocking costs, they say higher prices at checkout for customers is inevitable.

“As long as I can get them at a price that I can still make a profit and help people, help Kansas City, I’m all for it,” said Appliance Shark store owner …