On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced extensive tariffs affecting almost every nation globally. This move is anticipated to influence numerous sectors across America, including enterprises located in south-central Pennsylvania.
Fish and Friends, an aquarium shop located in Hanover, shared on social media on Thursday that the tariffs will soon result in increased costs for numerous products, particularly most of its seafood offerings.
The expectation is that we'll see price increases for items imported from Asia [and] Europe," stated owner Owen Stevens. "This includes much of your gear such as filters, lighting fixtures [and] heating systems. Many glasses are sourced from China nowadays. Despite being put together locally, the glass components come from abroad.
A substantial number of Stevens' fish originate from nations such as China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, where considerable duties were imposed on imports. This includes a hefty 54% duty rate applied specifically to goods coming from China.
Stevens indicates that the store, operational for nine months, will likely have to transfer the burden of the tariff costs directly onto customers.
"As a fledgling small enterprise, our incoming revenue isn’t substantial enough for me to cover the expenses from these tariffs without feeling the strain,” Stevens explained. “Therefore, I must increase my prices appropriately to ensure we remain operational.”
This occurs as the impacts of the tariffs are extending beyond the sectors they were meant to influence.
Businesses selling everything from floral arrangements to gaming supplies, as well as locally produced goods such as dairy products, are experiencing impacts. Economists warn that with tariffs of this scale, not a single shop, commodity, or sector will remain unaffected.
Dr. Pavlo Buryi, an economics professor at Harrisburg University, remarked, “When you grab your smartphone, remember that it’s likely quite costly compared to many alternatives. Next, as you head over to brush your teeth, consider this: your toothbrush probably comes from another country. Even the components of your toothpaste are sourced internationally. This global influence extends across nearly all aspects of contemporary living. It alters production methods, whether they occur within national borders or overseas. Additionally, it reshapes how we approach our jobs and influences our savings strategies for when we retire.”
For companies such as Fish and Friends, the effect might be felt among the clientele they depend upon.
“I’d really dislike seeing individuals perhaps struggling financially feeling forced to abandon hobbies they adore merely due to their inability to cover them,” Stevens stated.