After more than a month since the Trump administration’s first implementation of tariffs, all nations now face a minimum of a 10% tariff and some face staggeringly high amounts, such as the 145% tariff placed on China, as of May 11. Although these tariffs have the most notable impact on businesses and industry-driven regions, substantial impacts still reside on suburban communities such as Sammamish.

Prices of various products, especially electronics, clothing, and imported cars, have risen. Retaliatory tariffs have also struck many industries and market prices. One Skyline student commented on the specific effects of the tariffs that can be observed in Sammamish: “Eggs have gone up in price, also … plastic water bottles.”

Businesses that rely on imports, particularly from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico, are confronting higher costs, which are impacting profitability.

As the costs of everyday items have gone up, companies have begun to prioritize minimizing losses and maximizing profits, leading to potential job losses.

Countries such as China have launched retaliatory tariffs of similar magnitude, which may lead to further tension and trade wars, when countries attempt to degrade each other’s trade through tariffs or restrictions.

Another Skyline student stated, “Gas prices have definitely gone up … prices of everything have gone up.”

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