US-China trade tensions dampen trade show in Las Vegas
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E-mail Xinhua, August 14, 2019
But Elaine Byrne who runs Groovy Goods, a Bohemian, 70s retro shop in the state of Iowa, is already feeling the pinch. "This tariff makes absolutely no sense. It's just passed along to the consumers. It's another tax mostly on the middle class -- again -- and it hurts our farmers."
A prominent American wholesaler, Dan Smith from Capsmith, with a 30-year history with boots on the ground with Chinese manufacturers from Shenzhen, to Yangzhou, to Qingdao, was outspokenly opposed to the U.S. tariffs on China.
"They're not helping me. We're the ones paying them, not the Chinese. It comes right out of my bank account," he told Xinhua.
He continued: "I'm definitely not for the trade wars with China. We have a great relationship with a lot of our suppliers. If we have any problems, we deal with the suppliers directly, just like we would if they're here in the United States. We don't need the government for that."
He's increasingly frustrated with politicians who are unresponsive to his company's plight. "I've tried to give my two cents worth, but it falls on deaf ears and it just keeps getting worse," he lamented.
"Enough is enough. The election is coming up in two years. I voted for Trump last time, but I can't see that happening the next time around."
The Off Price Show's executive director, Tricia Barglof, advised her clients to ride through the tough times and stay focused on the future.
"Trade shows are always going to exist -- they will continue to be relevant because you still need to understand the quality of the goods with the touch and feel of a product in your hand rather than just seeing it on your computer screen."
She encourages anyone who missed this year's August show to make sure to attend the winter show in Las Vegas to be held from Feb. 3 to 6, which they are expanding to include more beauty and home and gift products to compensate for the bite the tariffs are taking.
"If you want to stay competitive in this industry, you can't afford to miss it," she said.
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