PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited with business owners and community leaders in Chinatown on Wednesday during the final week of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, listening to concerns about several topics, including tariffs.
The governor’s first stop was at Asia Crafts, a gift shop on 10th Street that’s been family-owned for decades.
“[It’s] just important for me to get out here and show these business owners that I’ve got their backs,” Shapiro said.
He got a look at all the different collectibles on the shelves, like Hello Kitty merchandise and the very popular Labubu dolls, and talked to the owners, including Eric Law, about the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
“Even with our suppliers, everything is in flux, so we just have to go with the flow for now,” said Law, who admitted they may have to start raising prices soon.
“One time we’ll get a notice from the vendors, ‘Oh, 10%.’ Next email it’s 25%, and then, ‘Oh, we’re bringing it down to 15%.’ It’s just back and forth, back and forth,” said Debbie Law, one of the siblings who runs Asia Crafts.
Shapiro then went across the street to the House of Dragons Philly Fire House, before stopping at Vivi Bubble Tea, where he ordered a matcha tea. The governor met there with Chinatown leaders and talked about promoting the area and other neighborhoods ahead of the big events in the city in 2026, like the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Those leaders shared concerns from residents living in fear because of the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies from the White House.
“I wanna be here today to do everything I can to reassure them that they got a governor that gives a damn about them and cares a lot about this community,” Shapiro said.