Port of Seattle commissioner explains the variety of ways tariffs may hurt Washington consumers [Video]

SEATTLE — President Trump has implemented a 10% tariff on all goods from China, effective today.  In response, the Chinese government has announced it will impose additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on a range of U.S. imports, including coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil and farm machinery starting February 10.

While there is a 30-day pause on the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, businesses and consumers in Washington state are already bracing for the potential impact, which could affect the state’s economy.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, who is also the founder of an international trading company, says one of the most common misconceptions about tariffs is that they primarily hurt foreign countries by taxing their goods.

“The tariffs are assessed when the goods …