Cincinnati’s local businesses, particularly family-owned restaurants like Tortilleria Garcia in College Hill, are bracing for the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Mexican imports. Owner Omar Garcia highlighted the increased costs of essential ingredients such as tomatoes, guacamole, onions, cilantro, and Mexican Coca-Cola due to a 25% tariff. This rise in prices threatens the viability of small businesses that compete with larger chains.
Garcia emphasized the necessity of passing these costs onto consumers to stay afloat, stating that maintaining current prices would risk going out of business. He advocates for free trade as a means to support both the US and Mexican economies. Despite President Trump’s assertion during the State of the Union Address that tariffs will ultimately benefit America, Garcia remains hopeful for a resolution that benefits both nations. — news from WCPO 9 Cincinnati