With tariffs now in effect, local rice farmers say they finally have a chance to compete with imported goods on grocery store shelves.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Canada, Mexico, and China announced retaliatory measures on Tuesday in response to new U.S. tariffs, a move that economists say could lead to higher prices for businesses and consumers nationwide.
However, some Southeast Texas industries see an opportunity for growth amid the brewing trade war.
With tariffs now in effect, local rice farmers say they finally have a chance to compete with imported goods on grocery store shelves.
“We don’t need to rely on imported food,” said Greg Devillier, vice president of Doguet’s Rice Milling Company in Beaumont.
Since 1981, the Doguet family has been harvesting, drying, milling and packing rice, selling locally grown products across Southeast Texas. Devillier believes the tariffs will help level the playing field for American producers, who often face stiff …