(KNX 1070) - As the midnight deadline came and went on the tariff hike imposed by the US on $200 billion worth of Chinese export goods, many are bracing for its effects to take place in Southern California.
There are two ports in the region: the Port of Los Angles and Port of Long Beach and both see billions of dollars worth of trade pass through its gates.
Not only would the hike affect people who work in warehouses and distribution centers, but also truck drivers.
Truck drivers pick up containers from the ports.
Beacon Economics' Jock O'Connell says there are several hundred thousand people in the greater LA area whose jobs are directly related to goods moving through the ports.
"There is an interruption or slowdown in the volume or cargo and they tend to get sent home," he said.
As for consumers, a trade group estimates that tariffs, if they continue, could cost the average family of four here in the US an extra $770 per year.
On Friday morning, President Donald Trump claimed that the tariffs would help the U.S. and bring "far more wealth."
He also added that the talks with China were ongoing in a friendly manner, despite China saying this week it would hit back with its own countermeasures.
Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch! In the meantime, China should not renegotiate deals with the U.S. at the last minute. This is not the Obama Administration, or the Administration of Sleepy Joe, who let China get away with "murder!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2019Trade war worries at the #PortofLosAngeles. Economists say thousands of people across Southern California could be laid off if the #tradewar with #China drags on. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/le9FaPyaFp
— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird) May 10, 2019
