Governor Shapiro discusses tea imports and tariffs with Chinatown business owners in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphia's Chinatown on Wednesday, meeting with local business owners and community leaders in an attempt to understand the challenges they face due to tariffs on imports.
During his visit, the governor dropped by Asia Crafts, a store selling merchandise related to Asian pop culture, where he learned of the impact of tariffs on the business. Owner Debbie Law explained that they have been hit with unexpected fees due to tariffs, which have compelled them to rethink their inventory strategies.
"We have to be mindful of how much we're ordering, and what we can afford," Law said. While they haven't passed these costs onto customers yet, she suggested they might have to as new shipments arrive.
Shapiro acknowledged the difficult economic situation being faced by businesses across Pennsylvania due to the tariffs. He stated, "What we're seeing in these policies out of Washington is creating economic uncertainty, not just in Chinatown, but all across Pennsylvania."
Asia Crafts, established by Debbie's mother, has been a part of Chinatown's decades-long history. The store has evolved over the years from its origins as a symbol of early Chinese migration to the city.
In Chinatown, the proposed 76ers arena has raised fears of gentrification and displacement. However, the neighborhood, which traces its origins to the 1870s, continues to thrive as the oldest Chinatown on the East Coast, despite urban development threats and restrictive immigration laws.
At Vivi, a bubble tea shop, Shapiro enjoyed a matcha drink with boba while discussing issues with local leaders. Among these discussions was the upcoming semiquincentennial and World Cup events, which offer opportunities for growth and development.
According to John Chin, executive director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, there are 369 businesses in the neighborhood. Governor Shapiro has proposed around $60 million towards promoting hospitality tourism and boosting small businesses, with a focus on Chinatown.
Shapiro's visit aimed to highlight the struggles faced by Chinatown businesses and demonstrate his commitment to supporting local small businesses. "We're being really purposeful about trying to lift them up in the conversation," he said.
- "Governor Shapiro's visit to Asia Crafts exposed the financial strain caused by tariffs, as owner Debbie Law shared her concerns about unexpected fees impacting their inventory strategies."
- "In light of the economic challenges faced by Chinatown businesses due to tariffs, Governor Shapiro has proposed $60 million towards promoting hospitality tourism and boosting small businesses, demonstrating his commitment to supporting local businesses in the political and business arena."
