RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A local business said their sales have been impacted by the 25% tariff on goods from India that took effect on Aug. 1.
The owner of Unique India Grocery and Boutique in Riverview said she is doing what she can to keep prices low and profits high.
99% of the products in this store are imported from India. That means they are subject to a 25% tariff. Owner Sujatha Byanna said that creates a lot of uncertainty for the business.
“I wish I knew what to do. Right now, I’m still figuring it out. So, it is very stressful at the moment,” she said.
Byanna, opened the store three and half years ago. She moved to the U.S. in 2002 and said the business is a dream come true.
“It’s a bridge between families, culture and food like traditions,” said Sujatha Byanna.
Since Aug. 1, Byanna said the price to import rice, spices, lentils and frozen foods has gone up; so, now she’s figuring out what to buy and where to buy it from. In the meantime, some shelves are empty.
Some shelves are empty at the store as the owner decides what is best to purchase while the tariffs are imposed. (Spectrum News/Tyler O’Neill)
“We are not ready to rush to buy. We do know that it is very important and we need to stock them up, but at what cost?” she said.
With less product on the shelves, and sales decreasing by 20 to 30% this month, Byanna said she is in a “tough spot.”
“We are looking to see how to resolve that issue but if we buy at today’s price, we are going to be at a very high price compared to other competitors,” Byanna said.
She said her options are to absorb the cost or raise prices – which she considers the last resort. She’s looking at other sellers, but, she said domestic products don’t compare.
“Our food won’t taste the same, our recipes won’t taste the same and it doesn’t feel like motherland for us,” Byanna said.
Each decision she makes is about helping her customers continue to savor the taste of home.
Tariffs on India will increase to 50% next week. President Trump said he is increasing the duties because of India’s purchasing of Russian Federation Oil.
The hike will take effect on Aug. 27, 2025