Fewer cargo ships coming into U.S. because of tariffs

U.S. and Chinese trade representatives are meeting in Geneva this weekend to discuss the ongoing trade war. 

Many economists worry the tariffs President Donald Trump implemented could mean higher costs for goods around the world. 

The bustling Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest in the world, bringing billions of dollars worth of imports every year.

But since President Trump’s tariffs took effect, cargo traffic there has dropped around 30%. Officials say they haven’t seen traffic dip this low since the pandemic.

“That’s cause for alarm,” CEO of the Port of Long Beach Mario Cordero said.

That port and the Port of Los Angeles make up what’s known as the San Pedro Bay complex.

Earlier this week, 41 vessels were scheduled to depart China and arrive there. But on Friday, that number dropped to zero, meaning no products were arriving from China.

“We may be seeing empty products on the shelves,” Cordero said. “So, this is now going to be felt by the consumer.”

Most goods coming from China will be subject to a 145% tariff. Trump is hoping these taxes will entice more companies to make products in the U.S., but it will take a while for that to happen.

Many economists say prices will go up.

“Tariffs are going to have a much bigger effect on many more people,” one economist said.

It’s not just items from China that will likely cost more. Tariffs on items coming from countries like Colombia could mean higher coffee prices.

The U.S. government estimates that close to 30% of imported coffee beans come from Colombia. 

Colombia is also a major exporter of flowers, which could mean more expensive arrangements on Mother’s Day.