New tariffs will increase costs in New England

By Vivienne Felber

President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico have caused local economists to predict an increase in gas and food costs for New England. The tariffs imposed are on the United States’ largest trading partners. 

Local economists are expressing that gas prices could increase in the upcoming weeks. There is also a possibility that costs of electronics, automobiles, metals, and apparel imported from the three countries will increase. 

New England farming expert John LeBeaux expresses that food prices are also more than likely to rise.

“Approximately 60% of the fresh fruit, approximately 40% of the fresh vegetables are imported into the United States, and the vast majority of that food comes from Mexico,” LeBeaux said. He added that smaller stores and farm stands could also be impacted due to packaging materials that are often made in China. 

However, there is an argument between economists on whether or not these new tariffs could start a trade war or if this will end in better trade deals with China, Canada, and Mexico.