ORLANDO, Fla. – In the heart of Central Florida, a vibrant Chinese American community thrives, centered around the bustling area unofficially known as Chinatown.
Located at the China Town Plaza on West Colonial in Pine Hills, this community is now facing the economic implications of a new 10% tariff on products made in China, as ordered by President Trump.
During a visit to Enson’s Chinese American grocery store, local residents shared their thoughts on the tariff. Danny Hueng, who recently moved from Beijing, expressed her discontent.
“I do hate the fact that this is happening, but I mean we just have to live with it at this point. It is what it is,” Hueng told News 6.
Tariffs are essentially taxes charged on goods imported from other countries. For instance, a product worth $10 would incur an additional $1 charge. These tariffs are paid to the U.S. government, and businesses often pass the extra cost onto American consumers. This new tariff takes effect Tuesday, impacting a wide range of products, including phones, electric batteries, and computers—essentially everything made in China.
Inside the grocery store, items like ramen noodles, a popular and cost-effective choice, could see price increases.
“It’s heartbreaking to me, especially, I am a Chinese living in the states and it’s affecting everyone’s life,” shared Heung.
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President Trump has justified the tariffs as a measure to combat the fentanyl problem in the U.S., a powerful drug responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. The administration claims that chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl originate from China.
In retaliation, China has announced plans to implement 10-15% tariffs on U.S. goods, including coal, liquefied natural gas products, crude oil, agricultural machinery, and some cars.
As the situation unfolds, the Chinese community in Central Florida, along with many others, will be closely monitoring the economic ripple effects of these tariffs.
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