N W FLORIDA BUSINESS SEEK LOCAL SUPPLIES DUE TO TARIFFS ON IMPORTED GOODS

Northwest Florida businesses are pivoting to American suppliers in response to President Trump's recent tariff announcements, which target imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The tariffs affect essential grocery items such as coffee, fruit, dairy, rice, and seafood. Local economists and store managers report that while prices have remained stable for now, they expect increases soon. Restaurants like Joe Patti's Seafood in Pensacola are already adapting, sourcing U.S. seafood to preemptively manage costs. General manager Michael Patti shares that they've found local suppliers offering competitive prices.