Alabama Businesses Address Tariffs Amid Local Sales Event

News Summary

At ‘Buy Alabama’s Best Day’, local businesses gathered to promote regional products while expressing concerns over rising tariffs, particularly from China. Companies like Milo’s Sweet Tea and Bud’s Best Cookies raised alarms about increased operational costs due to tariffs on essential goods. Meanwhile, Hyundai announced plans to shift SUV production to Alabama, highlighting a commitment to U.S. manufacturing despite tariff implications. Governor Kay Ivey emphasized supporting local businesses, noting the robust food manufacturing industry in the state, which faces challenges due to a looming 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports.

Alabama businesses congregated at the state capitol for Buy Alabama’s Best Day, an event designed to bolster local sales and promote awareness of regional products. Amid the celebration of local entrepreneurship, concerns regarding rising tariffs imposed by other nations, especially China, were prevalent among participants.

Tariffs on key U.S. goods, including chicken and corn, have sparked anxiety among Alabama-based companies. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders expressed apprehension about how these international tax changes could affect prices and lead to increased costs of operations. Companies like Milo’s Sweet Tea, a 79-year-old establishment in Bessemer, highlighted their ongoing monitoring of any shifts that could influence pricing structures.

In the same vein, Bud’s Best Cookies, a Birmingham company with over 30 years in the industry, reported fears over the new tariffs. The organization pointed out that the current prices of raw materials are already excessively high, intensifying their concerns about future cost increases. In contrast, Y’all Sweet Tea, a newer venture founded in 2021 in Hayden, expressed cautious optimism. Currently shipping flavored teas nationwide, the owner noted an awareness of the tariff situation but indicated no immediate fears.

Governor Kay Ivey highlighted the preference of Alabamians for local products, reinforcing the importance of supporting state businesses. With approximately 888,000 jobs in food manufacturing present in Alabama, the governor indicated that the local food industry continues to thrive despite tariff-related concerns.

A major development affecting Alabama’s economy is Hyundai’s decision to shift the production of its Tucson SUV to its Montgomery plant due to tariffs impacting its manufacturing operations in South Korea. The Montgomery plant has been actively building Tucsons since February 2021, with plans to produce more than 150,000 units this year. This move is part of a broader restructuring strategy, which includes relocating the production of vehicles destined for Canada to a plant in Mexico.

To address production challenges, Hyundai has announced an increase in manufacturing capacity at its new Georgia facility. The company has also formed a tariff task force aimed at reducing the impact of tariffs by increasing the local sourcing of auto parts within the United States.

Despite these challenges, Hyundai has indicated that there are no immediate plans to alter pricing due to tariffs and it continues to invest significantly in U.S. manufacturing operations, totaling around $21 billion.

The economic landscape is further complicated by a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, set to take effect on March 12. This import duty may have a significant impact on Alabama’s economy, especially considering that Mexico is the state’s largest trading partner. In 2023, oil and automobiles were two of Alabama’s foremost imports.

The automotive sector in Alabama supports around 90,000 employees across various manufacturers, which include major players like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai. U.S. representatives from Alabama have raised concerns over potential job losses and increased vehicle pricing due to the new automotive tariffs. An analysis suggests that a 25% tariff could result in an 8% increase in vehicle prices, translating to about $4,000 more per vehicle.

Automotive tariffs are scheduled to come into effect on April 3, while tariffs on auto parts will start on May 3. Hyundai’s commitment to maintaining competitive pricing reflects its focus on U.S. manufacturing, even in light of the backdrop of rising tariffs and growing economic pressures.