Canada tariffs could raise prices at Lee County small businesses

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Small business owners in Southwest Florida are bracing for potential price increases as new tariffs on Canadian goods are set to take effect next month.

Joe Semansky has owned Red Horse Distillery for nearly four years. He says the journey hasn't always been easy.

"These bottles have gone from about $1.90 each to about $3 a bottle now," Semansky said. "The other bottles that I showed you before, these went from about 65 cents to about $1.65. I've really struggled keeping my prices where they're at."

The new tariffs that President Trump imposed on Canadian goods make Semansky nervous since that's where most of his bottles come from.

"As you can see, we use quite a few bottles, different style bottles, and some come out of Canada," Semansky said. "I've not bought bottles out of China if I can help it. I like to buy stuff locally if I can, or at least made in the United States. But that's been a concern."

Dr. Victor Claar with FGCU says that though this impact was intended for Canada, it could affect many here in the states and in Southwest Florida.

"There is this temptation to fight back against tariffs from other countries because they don't seem fair," Claar said. "But on the other hand, you're basically hurting yourself in an effort to try to get the other country to do something different from what they're currently doing."

By imposing the tariffs, businesses that may already be struggling could suffer more.

"Whether it's a construction project or food service, whatever that is, the cost for the firm is now more, and it makes it hard for that American company to keep their employees and also to keep prices low at a time when everybody's sick of inflation and high prices," Claar said.

Semansky told WINK News his love for meeting new people and passion for working keep him positive even when the unpredictable looms.

"You've got to work through the tough times," Semansky said. "My wife and I struggle sometimes with things, but you know what? It's just that drive that you have inside of you, being an entrepreneur, that you're going to succeed."

Semansky partners with other local businesses to get his products more visibility but is now also getting ready to see how costs go up. The tariff is set to go into effect Aug. 19.