RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — Small businesses across North Carolina are feeling the weight of rising costs tied to U.S. tariffs and ongoing trade tensions, particularly with China.
One of the most visible effects is on agriculture. Local operations like Wow! Grapes Vineyard, known for their muscadine and seedless grapes, is seeing sharp increases in input costs.
“I think it’s fuel, fertilizer, and packaging,” Peggy Bloodworth said. “And labor, that’s always a factor.”
He adds that there may not be much more that local farms can absorb. “I don’t know that they could purchase any more than they’ve already hurt us.”
And it’s not just grape growers. Another farmer in the region says prices for essential items like fertilizer and glass jars for jams and jellies are spiking, and the trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
“Based on what I hear, yes, there’s an increase,” Jason Rhodes said. “And probably will be an increase moving forward.”
As agricultural suppliers pass along higher import costs, many farmers say they’re left with little choice but to raise prices on customers, an outcome they worry could cost them business in the long run.
Beyond farms, other local industries are also under strain. At a nearby furniture company, the impact of tariffs is being felt on imported items like linens, pillows, and bed frames.
“Those have been affected by supply chain issues because of the tariffs,” Patrick McMahon said.
But some analysts argue the economic panic is overstated.
Andrew Hale of the conservative Heritage Foundation says targeted tariffs can be a beneficial bargaining tool.
“If you have a tariff against our agricultural product, then we’re going to tariff you back,” he said. “I think that’s a good thing for farmers, but broad, across-the-board tariffs? That’s not the same.”
As Washington continues to debate trade policy, local businesses in North Carolina are bracing for what comes next, caught between rising supply costs and the risk of pricing out their customers.
For now, many are simply trying to stay afloat.
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