New Trump Tariffs on Chinese Imports Threaten Inglewood Small Businesses

New tariffs on Chinese imports implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration are raising serious concerns among small business owners in Inglewood and surrounding communities who rely on imported goods for their operations.

With tariffs now reaching as high as 245% on some products, local retailers, distributors, and service businesses are anticipating significant price increases that could threaten their viability and ultimately impact consumers throughout South Los Angeles communities.

“These tariffs will have a ripple effect through Inglewood’s business community,” said a representative from the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce. “Many of our small retailers, particularly those in electronics, household goods, and apparel, source products from China because domestic alternatives simply don’t exist at competitive price points.”

The tariffs are particularly concerning for Inglewood’s growing retail sector near SoFi Stadium and the upcoming Intuit Dome, where many businesses operate on thin margins and depend on affordable imported merchandise to remain competitive.

Local importers and retailers are facing difficult decisions as the tariffs take effect. Some have paused orders from China, hoping for a quick resolution to the trade dispute, while others are scrambling to find alternative suppliers from countries not affected by the tariffs.

Bobby Djavaheri, owner of Yedi Houseware Appliances in Los Angeles, which has supplied products to retailers in the Inglewood area for decades, expressed grave concerns about the situation.

“I really don’t think many Americans understand how bad this is,” Djavaheri told FOX 11. “It could get really, really bad within days or weeks.” His family business has imported products from China for 40 years but now faces an uncertain future with tariffs as high as 245%.

“We importers are the ones paying for the tariffs and duties, not the Chinese. So, not only are we paying for it, but eventually the consumer is going to pay for it,” Djavaheri explained.

For Inglewood consumers, especially those in lower-income neighborhoods, the tariffs could translate to significantly higher prices on everyday items from electronics and appliances to clothing and household goods. Economic analysts suggest this could disproportionately affect communities already dealing with high inflation and housing costs.

Community leaders are particularly concerned about the potential impact on Inglewood’s employment landscape. “Many of our residents work in retail, warehousing, and distribution jobs connected to imported goods,” noted a local workforce development specialist. “If these businesses can’t afford to bring in products or consumers can’t afford to buy them, we could see job losses throughout these sectors.”

Some supporters of the tariffs argue they will incentivize companies to bring manufacturing back to the United States. However, many business owners believe this transition would take years and is unrealistic in many sectors.

“You think Generation Z is going to come onto production lines and produce air fryers from morning till night? No, let’s just be honest,” Djavaheri said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state is taking legal action over the tariffs, a move that could benefit import-dependent businesses in communities like Inglewood if successful.

Meanwhile, local business development organizations are planning workshops to help Inglewood entrepreneurs navigate the changing trade landscape and identify strategies to minimize the impact of increased import costs.

This story draws on reporting by Gina Silva for FOX 11, published April 17, 2025.