ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - President Donald Trump’s Tariff took effect at midnight, imposing a 10 percent tax on all Chinese goods from groceries to computers and video games, to popular brands like Shein and TEMU.

According to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia imports more products from China than any other country totaling $17.5 billion in 2023.

China is also the third-largest export market for Georgia products totaling $3.9 billion also in 2023. The top three leading customers for Georgia products include Canada, Mexico, and China.

WALB talked with a financial expert who says if tariffs continue you could see higher prices on everyday goods.

“You’re definitely going to see consumers receive this increase or this tariff passed down to us at the consumer level. Unfortunately, this is just part of President Trump’s negotiations strategies right now and it actually may hurt our pocketbook for a little while but one thing I will tell your listeners Quinlan, is this is not the first time we’ve seen this.” said Kent Patrick with Bush Wealth Management. “

During President Trump’s first term, he did impose tariffs on China and we did get into a trade war, and ultimately it did iron itself out but the next few weeks and months could be very quickly moving. So, they can be used a bargaining chip and when you’re trying to negotiate with other countries but at the same time if they’re prolonged it could increase costs or increase inflation which is what you and I as Americans have not liked previously.” said Patrick.

The impact will be felt much deeper beyond consumers and business owners, but farmers as well.

Chris Goodman a farmer in Tifton who is uncertain about the tariffs told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)

“People are pretty nervous right now. There’s a lot of anxiety. It doesn’t matter who you are. Even the hard-core Trumpers are nervous,” he said.

“The last time we had tariffs, it busted the cotton market but it helped us have better trade negotiations,” said Goodman.

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