News Summary Lara Adekoya, owner of Fleurs et Sel, faces financial strain as rising ingredient costs due to tariffs increase her monthly expenses by $3,000 to $4,000. Despite these challenges, she chooses to absorb the costs rather than burden her customers. The tariffs, deemed illegal by federal courts, have forced her to limit her product offerings and delay expansion plans. Local business leaders are increasingly concerned about the long-term impacts of such tariffs on small businesses, particularly in areas like Chinatown that rely heavily on imports. Los Angeles – Local bakery owner Lara Adekoya is facing significant financial challenges due to rising ingredient costs linked to President Trump’s tariffs, which have added $50 to $100 to the price of premium imported ingredients essential for her baking business, Fleurs et Sel. This increase translates to an additional $3,000 to $4,000 in monthly expenses, yet Adekoya has chosen to absorb these costs rather than passing them onto her customers. This decision highlights the dire situation small businesses are in as they navigate the economic impacts of federal trade policies. The tariffs, which range from 15% to 50%, were deemed illegal by two lower federal courts, but the Trump administration has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court. Small business owners like Adekoya assert that the economic strain from these tariffs is “not survivable,” leaving them with little recourse to manage growing costs. The tariffs have led to a reduction in offerings, with Adekoya limiting her cookie varieties to only core flavors while delaying any plans for expansion. Concerns over the long-term impact of the tariffs have been echoed by local business leaders and experts. Brian Peck, the executive director of the USC Center for Transnational Law and Business, highlighted the uncertainty businesses face if tariffs remain in effect. Many business owners reported difficulties in budgeting and investing due to the unpredictability created by these tariffs. The situation is even more precarious for businesses in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, which heavily rely on imports from China. Rising costs due to tariffs are threatening the viability of these businesses, exacerbated by existing economic challenges such as gentrification and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Historical establishments, including Cole’s French Dip restaurant, have already closed, signaling a broader trend affecting the area. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has emphasized the adverse impacts tariffs have had on businesses, particularly noting that California could be perceived as the world’s fourth-largest economy if it were an independent nation. In a bid to address these issues, California has filed a lawsuit against President Trump, contesting the legality of the tariffs implemented without congressional approval. As local businesses gather to discuss the ramifications of the tariffs, the overarching themes of uncertainty and hesitation to invest remain prevalent. Jason Hodge, commissioner of the Port of Hueneme, has brought attention to the ripple effects tariffs may have on local economies, highlighting the interconnected nature of trade and small business sustainability. Adekoya, realistic about her circumstances, remains determined to find ways to persevere despite ongoing challenges. Her focus on maintaining quality and balancing costs underscores the dedication of small business owners who are constantly adapting to a fluctuating economic landscape. As the situation develops, the future of many like Adekoya hangs in the balance, with the hope that forthcoming judicial decisions may alleviate some of these pressures. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Stolen Car Full of Labubu Dolls Crashes During Police Chase Los Angeles Food Vendors and Businesses Struggle Amid Immigration Raids California Faces Rising Grocery Prices This Summer Construction Begins on Liberty Landing Project in New Richmond Weil, Gotshal & Manges Expands Litigation Team in Los Angeles Malibu Businesses Struggle Amid Fire Recovery and Economic Challenges Owner of Terry’s Wigs Faces Closure Due to Ongoing Burglaries Bed Bath & Beyond Exits California Amid Bankruptcy Rebranding USDA Allocates $18 Million for Farm to School Program Community Support Leads to Recovery of Stolen Food Truck Additional Resources CBS News Los Angeles Times The Guardian Spectrum News The New York Times Wikipedia: Tariffs in the United States Google Search: Impact of Tariffs on Small Business Google Scholar: Tariffs and Small Business California Encyclopedia Britannica: Tariff Google News: California Business Tariffs
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
