In Flushing, Queens, there exists a bustling hub of culinary culture, epitomized by the Chang Jiang Supermarket. This local grocery store is not just a source of fresh produce, soy sauces, and seaweed-flavored snacks; it is a lifeline for the majority-Asian community it serves. Surrounded by vibrant storefronts adorned with Chinese signage and fresh fruit sold in boxes on the sidewalk, Chang Jiang stands out as an emblem of the rich diversity found within the neighborhood.
Local grocers like Chang Jiang often cater to specific cultural tastes and preferences, providing essential products that are difficult to find in mainstream supermarkets. For instance, Indian grocery stores typically offer cake rusk biscuits that pair perfectly with chai, while Chinese markets keep staples like red jars of Lao Gan Ma chili oil readily available. These stores play a vital role in maintaining the identities and traditions of immigrant communities, connecting them to their culinary roots.
However, Chang Jiang Supermarket now faces significant challenges stemming from the trade policies enacted under President Donald Trump. The ongoing trade war, particularly the tariffs imposed on imported goods, has placed immense pressure on grocery stores that depend on products from countries like China. With tariffs reaching an alarming 10%—and even higher for certain goods—the implications are profound, especially for community-focused grocers like Chang Jiang. The stakes are even greater as tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, prompting fears that the resulting tariffs could rise to as much as 145%.
Manager Wu, who spoke with CNN under the condition of confidentiality, expressed deep concerns regarding the future of the supermarket’s inventory. He warned that without a resolution to the trade dispute, the store could face a shortage of Chinese products within a few months. The impact of these tariffs will not only lead to higher prices for consumers but could also reduce the selection of items available, which disproportionately affects low-income families who already spend a significant portion of their income on groceries.
As Wu indicated, the suppliers are compelled to raise prices due to increased costs associated with the tariffs, and while existing inventory might not see significant price hikes, new shipments could escalate costs by 30% to even 50%. This situation raises alarms about potential shortages in the short term, as some manufacturers have ceased shipments to the U.S. altogether. Wu noted that rather than delivering the full orders he typically requests, suppliers are cutting back, which exacerbates supply chain issues.
Though Chang Jiang has not yet passed on price increases to its customers, Wu anticipates having to source products from alternative countries, such as Taiwan or Southeast Asia, to mitigate the anticipated shortages of Chinese goods. He hopes for a swift resolution to the trade conflict, warning that if delays extend, the consequences could be severe for the community.
The ripple effects of this trade war extend far beyond just one supermarket. Similar struggles can be observed across the country, such as at Wing Hop Fung in Arcadia, California. This family-operated business imports a variety of teas and Asian products but is feeling the crunch of rising tariffs. Lan Ong, who leads the company established by her parents in the mid-1980s, echoed Wu’s sentiments about the financial strain posed by increased tariff costs.
Despite the rising demand for specialty and ethnic grocery ingredients, expected to surge globally, the challenges posed by tariffs threaten to undermine local businesses. With the market set to exceed $153 billion by 2032, there’s an increasing appetite for international cuisines among American consumers. Grocery chains like H Mart, with numerous locations since its inception in Queens, and Patel Bros, the largest Indian grocery chain in the U.S., can better handle the pressures of the current market climates due to their vast resources.
However, small, locally-owned supermarkets, which often lack the operational capacity to absorb drastic price increases, are in a precarious position. In Honolulu, for example, the uncertainty brought about by Trump’s policies has unsettled small businesses in Chinatown. As Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock from the Chinatown Business & Community Association noted, the trade war threatens to set back local businesses significantly. Grocers are hesitant to restock until they have a clear understanding of future pricing, limiting the availability of goods for consumers.
With the landscape of American grocery retail transforming, suppliers and consumers alike face an impending reality where products may become scarce, and prices could escalate. Wu’s call to action for patrons to stock up on essentials while current prices persist serves as a forewarning of the challenges ahead. The community’s connection through these local grocery stores transcends mere commerce, reflecting a broader narrative of cultural resilience amid turbulent times.