St. Louis area restaurants say increased tariffs could hurt business [Video]

ST. LOUIS — Businesses across the St. Louis area are bracing for the impact of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. Mexico and Canada, the United States’ two closest trading partners, will now face a 25% tariff each. 

It’s the latest move from President Trump, who’s threatened such action since November. The two neighboring countries account for nearly 30% of all U.S. imports, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. President Trump said it’s all about fixing American debt. 

“You see the power of the tariff,” Trump told reporters Friday. “Nobody can compete with us because we have by far the biggest piggy bank.”

Some local restaurant owners in south St. Louis said they’re worried about the future. Jose Flores’ restaurant, Taqueria El Bronco, has called Cherokee Street home for over two decades.

“I’ve been here about 23 years. We started this business across the …