By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Dozens of U.S. trading partners are now facing tariffs of 10% or more on all goods, replacing a global 10% duty that expired Friday, July 24.
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The tariffs, implemented by President Donald Trump, account for nearly all American imports. Experts said consumers could eventually see higher prices — but the timeline remains unclear.
As goods cross the U.S.-Mexico border, distributors will pay more for those goods, and those costs are expected to be passed on to consumers. Luis Ramirez, a border infrastructure and trade policy expert, said the shift came as little surprise to those in the industry.
“We thought that the previous tariffs that expired at midnight — that was gonna be it. But we all kind of suspected that something else was coming and that wasn’t gonna be the end of it. And here it is,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez said importers, exporters, and distributors are now working to determine what the new tariffs will mean for prices.
“Ten percent tariff across the board — somehow that tariff has to be paid whether it’s from the producer or the importer or the consumer — somewhere in there, it has to be paid,” Ramirez said.
He added that the ongoing cycle of new tariff announcements is taking a toll on those in the trade business.
“They’re starting to get a few gray hairs — and it’s a lot of uncertainty,” Ramirez said.
Dr. Ed Ackerley, a professor at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, said consumers will ultimately bear the cost.
“Ultimately, no matter what people say, the consumer is the one who pays the ultimate price of that,” Ackerley said.
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He said price changes may be difficult to notice at first, particularly on smaller purchases, but could compound over time — especially given Tucson’s trade ties.
“Because we’re such an important trading partner with Mexico and Canada, if their prices go up because of tariffs and if the components go up because of tariffs as well, then you kind of get a double hit,” Ackerley said.
Ackerley said that dynamic is especially significant for Tucson residents.
“Our annual income in our city is — median income — is pretty low compared to other major metropolitan areas and so when prices go up it does affect what consumers in Southern Arizona can purchase,” Ackerley said.
Ramirez said the tariff news comes as distributors are already concerned about broader inflation and its effect on consumer spending.
“Do people have jobs? Are their jobs or wages keeping up with inflation?” Ramirez said.
Experts said it remains unclear exactly how much of a price difference consumers could see or when that impact might be felt, but said there is significant uncertainty in the market.
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