Grand Junction businesses are keeping a close eye on tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While some are already noticing minor price increases, others remain unaffected—for now.
Asian Market Sees Subtle Price Shifts
GJ Mart, an Asian grocery store in Mesa County that imports products from China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, has seen slight price hikes on select goods.
“We are seeing some increased prices, especially like on eggs or egg noodles,” said Darwin White, a clerk at GJ Mart. “We are trying to keep them absolutely as low as possible so as not to pass it on until we know for certain if it will be a massive increase or decrease.”
For now, the store is absorbing some of the cost, waiting for clearer signals on whether tariffs will have a lasting impact.
Liquor Imports Largely Unaffected—For Now
Fishers Liquor Barn, a major retailer importing wines, craft beers, and spirits from around the world, has not yet felt the pinch.
“I don’t know that it will. There may be some small price increases,” said Josh Matteson, General Manager of Fishers Liquor Barn. “The suppliers again are really good about kind of dispersing that and making sure that part of that is covered so that it doesn’t get passed on to the consumer because after all they still have to sell wine.”
The store credits its suppliers for helping offset potential cost increases, making price adjustments minimal so far.
U.S. Strikes Temporary Deal with Canada, Mexico
At the start of his new administration, President Trump reintroduced tariffs on key trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico. However, in early February, the U.S. reached a temporary 30-day agreement to pause tariffs with Canada and Mexico.
According to the Associated Press, both countries agreed to assist the U.S. with border security, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking in exchange for the tariff suspension. The deal is set to expire on March 4, leaving businesses uncertain about what comes next.
Businesses Preparing for Possible Changes
With tariff talks in flux, Grand Junction businesses are considering how they’ll support customers if costs rise further.
“With the goods that we have, and the selection we have, the staff of people working here are the most knowledgeable and happy to genuinely help people get their goods and their products,” White said. “We are willing to order for you, and I think with that we can continue to progress and have a better business.”
Matteson echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the store’s commitment to keeping prices reasonable.
“Unfortunately, if the price goes up for us, then we’ll have to raise it to the consumer, but we’ll try to be conscientious and not go too crazy,” he said. “Maybe soak up a little bit of it and try to keep the prices low for the consumer as much as we can.”
Lessons from the Pandemic
For many retailers, the pandemic was a far more disruptive event than tariffs have been so far. Matteson recalled how supply chains were thrown into chaos during COVID-19.
“Prices were through the roof,” he said.
Suppliers stepped in to absorb some of the extra costs, keeping consumer prices from soaring. If tariffs start making an impact, Matteson believes suppliers may once again step up to help mitigate the burden.
Could Tariffs Lead to New Trade Deals?
Despite the uncertainty, Matteson sees a potential silver lining.
“We can probably negotiate our way into better trade and have better relationships with people,” he said.
With the March 4 deadline approaching, businesses in Grand Junction will be watching closely to see whether tariffs will return—or if a new trade arrangement will emerge.
