The impact of tariffs on goods imported from China is being felt in Chinatowns across the United States. Small businesses in these neighborhoods, which cater to working-class families, are struggling to absorb the increased costs. Fifth-generation shop owner Mei Lum of Wing On Wo & Co. in Manhattan’s Chinatown has already received a retroactive invoice with tariff-related fees, causing confusion about how these fees are calculated. Chinatown businesses have been hit the hardest, with many owners choosing to raise prices slightly to avoid passing on the full cost to customers. However, the low prices in Chinatowns are crucial for the low-income communities they serve. Xu Lin, owner of Bubblefish in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, explained that rising prices due to tariffs and other factors are impacting sales, particularly as the pivot to delivery apps has already cut into profits. If prices continue to rise, businesses may have no choice but to further increase prices. Despite the challenges, Lum believes Chinatown will remain resilient. Ultimately, the small scale of businesses in Chinatowns and their dependence on imported goods make it difficult for them to avoid the impact of tariffs, and consumers may soon see the effects of these taxes on retail prices.
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