Trump’s tariffs set to have significant effect on Arizona economy [Video]

PHOENIX — As 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada took effect at midnight, Hispanic-owned businesses and companies that depend on cross-border trade were already passing higher prices onto consumers and preparing to sharply reduce imports.

Trump dismissed concerns that tariffs are largely paid for by consumers through higher prices, saying, “It’s a myth.”

It is possible for a stronger U.S. dollar to offset some of the costs, but most economic modeling shows tariffs will effectively amount to billions of dollars in tax hikes nationwide. Along the border, the reality is that prices were already rising in anticipation of Trump’s announcement, and much more disruption now looms.

Chamberlain Distributing represents nine different Mexican farming companies that ship about 5 million boxes of produce every year through Nogales, Arizona, to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across the U.S. Its owner, Jaime Chamberlain, said he would raise customer prices for all the products …