Looming tariffs could have big impact in Alabama, experts say [Video]

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – President Donald Trump has argued that Americans largely would be shielded from the impact of tariffs because they would hit foreigners.

But Lindsey Hilner, an import/export broker based in Mobile, said the burden actually falls on American companies that import tariffed goods.

“More likely than not, prices are going to be increasing,” she said.

A 10 percent tariff on imports from China is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Trump had threatened 25 percent tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico, although the president ordered a 30-day delay to continue negotiations involving border security.

Hilner’s company, Richard Murray & Co., arranges payments of customs fees and duties on behalf of clients. Many of those clients import Chinese-made products. She said those companies have been paying 25 percent tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term and left in place by Joe Biden.

That has left customers of the century-old company scrambling …