Tariffs stir worry at U.S. points of entry for imports

WASHINGTON — At least 10 percent of imports at many U.S. ports could be hit by new tariffs if President Donald Trump’s proposals take full effect, according to an exclusive analysis of government data by The Associated Press.

Ports and ground terminals in nearly every state handle goods that are now or will likely soon be covered by import tariffs. And port officials fear this could mean a slowdown in shipping that would have ripple effects on truckers and others whose jobs depend on trade.

Since March, the U.S. has applied new tariffs of up to 25 percent on nearly $85 billion worth of steel and aluminum and various Chinese products, mostly goods used in manufacturing. The Trump administration is preparing to slap tariffs of up to 25 percent on an additional $200 billion in Chinese imports after a public comment period ends Thursday.

These tariffs are the administration’s response to its charges that Beijing uses predatory tactics to try to supplant U.S. technological supremacy. Those tactics include cyber theft and a requirement that American companies hand over trade secrets in exchange for access to China’s market.

According to the AP analysis,

U.S. tariffs will cover goods that are imported at more than 250 seaports, airports and ground terminals in 48 states. At 18 of 43 customs districts — including those representing ports around Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans and Houston — at least 10 percent of their total import value could be covered by new tariffs if all Trump’s proposals take effect.

Eugene Seroka, executive director of the Los Angeles port, worries that “if tariffs make it too expensive to import, there will be an impact on jobs.”