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Seattle Businesses Speak Out Against Tariffs, Say Costs Are Soaring
Several Seattle-based businesses are raising concerns over the economic toll of recently introduced tariffs, saying the policy changes are putting serious pressure on their operations, supply chains, and export sales.
From wine producers to ice cream shop owners, local business leaders gathered at the Port of Seattle on Wednesday to share how the tariffs are affecting their bottom lines—even for companies that source most of their goods locally.
“The current trade policies have had a profound impact on our export business,” said Chris Stoner, Deputy Director of the Washington Wine Commission.
Local Sourcing Can’t Shield Businesses From Global Trade Rules
Many of the affected businesses rely on local suppliers, but imported materials—especially packaging, tools, or specialty items—are still vital to day-to-day operations. New tariffs, some as high as 145%, have made those imports significantly more expensive.
Jeff Damir, President and COO of Swaddle Designs, explained that his company has a shipping container stuck in China because of the added cost.
“That one container would now cost us an extra $300,000 due to tariffs. We simply can’t afford to bring it in,” he said.
Local Ice Cream Brand Faces $90,000 Tariff Hit
Even Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, known for sourcing 90% of its ingredients from Washington farms, is feeling the squeeze. Owner Molly Neitzel said that importing eco-friendly spoons from China is suddenly much more expensive.
“The tariff adds up to $90,000 a year just for spoons,” she shared. “The uncertainty is driving small businesses crazy. We can’t work like this and still expect to stay profitable.”
Exporters Pulling Back, Sales Canceled
According to a spokesperson for the Port of Seattle, the impact is already visible. Some exporters have started withdrawing their containers from terminals, canceling international deals due to the increased costs of doing business.
Political Divide Over Tariff Policy
While many business owners are frustrated, others see the tariffs as a necessary step to fix what they say are unfair global trade practices.
Rep. Jim Walsh, Chair of the Washington Republican Party, said the policies are meant to protect U.S. interests.
“We don’t want to be taken advantage of. These tariffs are part of getting fair trade deals on the table,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Senator Maria Cantwell is pushing the Trade Review Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort to shift more control of trade policy back to Congress. She believes major trade decisions shouldn't be made by the president alone.
