Southeast Texas businesses brace for 145% tariffs on Chinese imports [Video]

BEAUMONT, Texas — Small business owners across Southeast Texas are closely monitoring their supply chains after the Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, while pausing tariffs on most other countries.

The change has prompted growing concern among local companies that rely on international goods, particularly from China, Mexico and Canada.

President Trump has said the tariff hikes are aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. However, businesses like Cortez Car Care in Beaumont worry the costs will soon trickle down to their operations and, ultimately, their customers.

“As of yet we haven’t seen any changes in pricing or any changes in availability from our parts suppliers,” said Joshua Cortez, manager of Cortez Car Care. “The only thing that we can do is if we get higher prices, then obviously those …