Trump tariffs: Businesses warn of price hike on everyday items — from food, electronics to alcohol

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — President Donald Trump’s trade war is intensifying, with new tariffs set to take effect this week that will impact most of America’s trading partners.

All countries will now face at least a 10% tariff, while others will see import taxes ranging from 15% to more than 40%. Companies like Pennsylvania-based Hershey and Procter & Gamble are already warning of price increases.

A new poll shows the rising cost of groceries is a major source of stress for many Americans. With additional tariffs rolling out, prices are expected to climb further, affecting families preparing for back-to-school shopping and small businesses trying to stay afloat.

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Nicola Bell is no exception. As prices on items like bananas, coffee, grains, snacks, fish, medicine, cleaning products are expected to rise, Bell says shopping for a family of four is already painful.

“You can’t get it under $300, like that’s the bare bones minimal, but you know things like uniforms, school bags, all the equipment that they need for school, of course, that’s very, very expensive,” said Bell, who is also a small business owner in South Philadelphia. She’s frontloading product for Surry Hills Stones, which sells crystals and minerals imported from Brazil.

“We have the baseline tariff, which is 10%, and then there’s another 40% stacked on top,” said Bell.

Asked whether she would pass the cost on to consumers, Bell replied, “There’s no other way. Very few businesses get a 50% margin after everything’s paid out.”

The impacts are wide-ranging. Prices on big-ticket items like furniture, appliances, electronics and cars could rise immediately. Imported alcohol is expected to spike next month.

“Everything we bring in is effectively 15% more expensive than it was,” said Curt Goldman, CEO and co-founder of Bucks County-based CNI Brands, which distributes spirits including a unique liqueur distilled by Combier in France.

“We’re doing our best, but the truth is there’s a trickle-down effect, and everybody’s going to feel the brunt of this,” Goldman said.

Consumers who buy at liquor stores, or drink and dine out, as well as restaurant and bar owners, and employees could all feel the impacts.

Bell also expects a ripple effect. A drop in her business means her family will spend less in the local economy.

President Trump says the new tariffs are aimed at reshaping and winning on global trade. But Bell and Goldman say they don’t see any winners right now.