Previously Published in The Messenger
By Raheem Soto
Suffolk County has always been where hard work and local pride meet a growing economy. As President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) tariffs take center stage again, Suffolk residents are asking: Could these new trade policies be just what we need to boost local jobs, support small businesses, and help our communities thrive? Or will they put more strain on already tight budgets?
Before diving into how they affect us, let’s break down what Trump’s new tariffs actually are. The U.S. is now imposing a 25% tax on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, plus a 10% tariff on goods from China. These new tariffs are meant to reduce the flood of cheaper foreign goods entering the U.S. and push American companies to focus on local manufacturing.
At the time of this printing, Trump temporarily paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but they remain in effect for goods imported from China. While this pause on Canada and Mexico provides temporary relief for local businesses relying on imports from those countries, the ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods still hold significant weight.
Let’s talk about the construction industry first. Suffolk County is growing—new housing developments, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects are popping up all over the place. A lot of the materials used in these projects come from overseas, mostly steel and aluminum. Right now, these imports are cheap, but that means local manufacturers can’t compete. With these tariffs in place, all of a sudden, it’s a lot more expensive to import that stuff. That could be a game-changer for local steel companies, suppliers, and construction firms.
Instead of paying for steel from China or Canada, Suffolk construction companies might start looking closer to home for their materials. It could open the door for more manufacturing jobs here on Long Island. You might even see Suffolk County workers—who live in places like Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, and Brentwood—getting more opportunities to build the very projects they see around them. Not only does that mean a boost for our local economy, but it could also translate into better-paying, stable jobs.
Another sector that could see big benefits from Trump’s tariffs is Suffolk County’s fishing industry. For years, local fishermen have had to compete with cheap imports from places like China, which sell at lower prices than what Suffolk’s fishermen can offer. This makes it harder for local fishers to make a living when cheaper, lower-quality seafood is flooding the market.
Now, with tariffs making foreign seafood more expensive, restaurants and grocery stores might start to look back at local fish as a more affordable option. This could be the break that Suffolk’s seafood industry needs. Our local fishermen, especially those from Patchogue, Shirley, and Hampton Bays, could see more demand for their fresh catches, which means more income and pride for our community.
As with any big shift, there are challenges that could affect everyday Suffolk residents. Businesses that depend on imported goods—retail stores, restaurants, and small manufacturers—could face higher prices because their suppliers will now pass down those tariff costs. And let’s face it, Suffolk County’s cost of living is already high enough without adding even more expenses to our day-to-day shopping and dining bills.
These tariffs could also impact gas prices. Since a lot of the oil and fuel we use comes from foreign countries, if import prices go up, we could see higher gas prices at the pump. With Suffolk’s sprawling suburban layout, many of us are already spending a lot of time driving to work, taking kids to school, or heading out to run errands. Higher fuel costs mean it could cost us even more just to go about our daily routines.
It’s no surprise that New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is speaking out against Trump’s tariffs. She’s warned that the tariffs will hurt New Yorkers, especially in our trade-heavy state. According to her, Suffolk County, in particular, could feel the pinch, with high costs for businesses and families alike. But while Hochul has a point about potential price hikes, she’s been involved in her own set of costly policies.
Take, for example, the new congestion pricing plan coming to Manhattan. Under this policy, drivers who enter certain parts of New York City will face a charge of up to $23—just to drive through. Working-class New Yorkers who drive into the city will pay a hefty fee, but the rich and powerful will still have access to their state-funded cars. So, while Hochul talks about the burden on New Yorkers, she might want to look in the mirror. After all, her policies are adding more costs to working families who can barely afford to drive anywhere, let alone pay even higher taxes.
In the case of Trump’s tariffs, the idea is to protect and promote American industries, which could help stabilize the economy in the long run. If we’re focusing on self-sufficiency and pushing foreign competitors out, that’s a win for our workers, manufacturers, and local communities. This isn’t about making things more complicated for New Yorkers; it’s about leveling the playing field and bringing more jobs and business to Suffolk County.
Suffolk County is in an interesting position with these tariffs. There are plenty of opportunities for growth, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and fishing. But there’s also the chance that prices for everyday goods could go up, which would hurt consumers.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, only time will tell. But Trump’s tariffs are a chance to boost American jobs, strengthen local businesses, and make sure that more of Suffolk County’s dollars stay here at home. In the end, we’re betting on the long-term benefits that could eventually outweigh any short-term pain.
At the end of the day, these tariffs aren’t about making life harder for Suffolk County residents. They’re about making sure that American-made goods have a fighting chance against cheap imports. If we can protect local businesses, create more jobs, and improve the economy, then this move could be exactly what Suffolk County needs to keep growing and thriving. With the temporary pause on tariffs with Canada and Mexico providing some breathing room, there’s reason to believe these policies could lead to lasting success for Suffolk and the nation.