Buffalo party supply store owner raises concerns over tariffs [Video]

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Mark Slater, owner of TentandTable.com, is facing severe financial challenges due to new tariffs affecting his party supply business, which operates out of a Buffalo warehouse.

Slater expressed that while he is not opposed to tariffs, the latest changes are detrimental to his operations.

“I’m not against tariffs, but this damages my business,” Slater said.

His company imports products from Canada and China, and with the new tariffs in place, he is now required to pay a steep bill that he feels is unsustainable.

“I paid my bill of $103,000, and then I was awarded a tariff bill for $154,000,” Slater explained.

According to Slater, this unexpected charge came after he had placed his orders last fall. The financial impact has been staggering, leaving him questioning the viability of his business.

“I’m losing $50,000 on that shipment, so what is a business to do?” he said.

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