FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025
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Last week, as the Trump Administration announced new, broad tariffs, North Carolina’s agricultural and brewing sectors gathered in Asheville to raise alarms about the detrimental effects on their businesses and consumers. These new tariffs are expected to significantly increase operational costs for farmers and brewers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and threatening the viability of local businesses and tourism.
New polling from Tariffs Cost Us and the nonpartisan pollster Morning Consult found:
- Four-in-five NC voters (71%) expect the cost of goods they purchase to increase because of tariffs, including two-in-three Republicans (66%) and three-in-four Independents (72%).
- Three-in-four North Carolina voters (70%) say they are trying to spend less money because of tariffs.
- A majority (54%) of NC voters believe that American consumers will be harmed the most by tariffs and/or a resulting trade war. And, a majority of Republicans (60%) believe American consumers, businesses, and/or farmers will be hurt the most.
ABC News: How are small businesses reacting to Trump’s tariffs announcement?
Leah Wong-Ashburn, President of Highland Brewing, said, “The U.S. simply can’t pivot to making aluminum cans… Mining is not done here. Aluminum is 95% brought in from other countries, and we are dependent on Canada. The effort to make aluminum here would be complex, costly and take a lot of time. It won’t come soon enough.”
Indo New York: Small Business Reactions to Trump Tariffs: What You Need to Know
In a recent gathering of small business owners, Wendy Brugh, the proprietor of Dry Ridge Farm in Marshall, North Carolina, expressed her profound concerns over President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs… She lamented that these tariffs would escalate the costs of essential resources like fertilizer, feed, construction materials, and tractors, further burdening the farming community already reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
WENY News: Key takeaways from Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs
Tariff hikes inflict higher costs on US-based importers, which are typically passed on to American businesses. Many of them said on Wednesday they’re bracing for the fallout of Trump’s latest actions.
“It’s concerning, it’s going to be expensive, it’s going to require us all to make decisions,” Benjamin Colvin, president and co-founder of Devil’s Foot Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, said Wednesday at a news conference with other business owners in the state.
DIYA TV: Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs ignites worldwide debate, market chaos
Organizer: President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs: Bold move to address trade deficits with global impact for US economy
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