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This customs broker is prepping for another round of Trump tariffs

Dec 2, 2024
"We don't have any inside information," says customs broker Gretchen Blough. "So we're just kind of holding hands with our customers."
"We've been getting a lot of phone calls and emails asking if we have any kind of information as to what the tariffs will be on on commodities," says Gretchen Blough of Logistics Plus in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

More tariffs may be coming under Trump

Nov 6, 2024
Here's what tariffs on goods from China and elsewhere have already meant for businesses and consumers since his first term.
In the past, tariffs have raised prices for American consumers and businesses.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

What to know about Harris and Trump’s tariff campaign promises

Nov 4, 2024
American consumers bear the brunt of tariffs — despite what the former president has said on the campaign trail.
Former president Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina, the day before the 2024 election. At this rally, Trump announced that if elected he would impose tariffs on goods from Mexico to pressure the nation into securing the border it shares with the U.S.
Ryan M. Kelly/AFP via Getty Images

Business reactions to Biden Administration tariffs vary widely

Jun 26, 2024
Some businesses say the new tariffs will put them on a level playing field with Chinese exporters. Others see little advantage.
Biden is keeping many  Trump-era tariffs and introducing new ones, including lithium ion batteries, electric vehicles and feeding tube parts. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How new China tariffs could affect prices for U.S. business owners, consumers

May 14, 2024
When tariffs increase, costs often go up for business owners, who often then pass some of those increased costs along to consumers.
The Biden administration worries that importing Chinese EVs will hurt U.S. manufacturers, said Howard Gleckman with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. exports more petroleum than it imports. So why are we importing at all?

May 13, 2024
It's largely about the chemistry of the oil and the mechanics of the refineries. In many cases, importing foreign crude is cheaper.
An oil pumpjack in Texas. Importing foreign crude oil is often cheaper for the United States.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The fallout from a strong dollar

Apr 29, 2024
U.S. exports become more expensive overseas, but imported goods become cheaper here in the U.S.
A stronger dollar makes  imported goods cheaper, meaning American consumers can buy more stuff.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Import prices rose more slowly in February. That could help bring down inflation.

Mar 15, 2024
The Labor Department reported that the price of imported goods rose 0.3% in February compared to 0.8% the month before.
Prices at the import level can affect prices that show up in other inflation data.
Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images

Americans bought fewer Chinese imports in 2023, but Chinese exporters aren't necessarily hurting

Feb 8, 2024
We bought more imports from Mexico — and Chinese companies have been investing heavily there.
U.S. imports from China. were down more than 20% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The dollar's falling back to Earth as other countries raise their own interest rates

Aug 22, 2023
A year ago, U.S. exporters were complaining that the dollar was too strong. Not anymore.
A weaker U.S. dollar could help companies that export, while importers might have to pay more for the products they bring in.
Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images