Cassidy Warns Tariffs Could Hurt Louisiana Shoppers and Small Businesses

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the U.S. needs to hold China accountable but warns we can’t ignore the impact tariffs may have here at home. On a recent interview on KEEL News, Cassidy voiced concern about inflation and how new trade policies might make things worse for Louisiana families. 

“I literally looked online the other day,” he said, “trying to buy American-made, and it’s hard to find.” While Cassidy supports the idea of boosting domestic manufacturing, he’s realistic about how reliant we’ve become on global supply chains, and what it means for our wallets. 

Tariffs Could Trigger Higher Prices

The Trump administration recently announced new tariffs aimed at pressuring China and tightening enforcement under the USMCA trade agreement. Cassidy admitted the strategy might work, but there’s a cost. 

“For most countries, the president backed off and made it about 10 percent,” Cassidy said, “which is kind of absorbable. But when you talk about a 25 percent tariff, especially on goods coming indirectly from China through Mexico, that could really raise prices.” 

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He pointed out that China has been using transshipment tactics, rerouting goods through Mexico or Canada to avoid direct U.S. tariffs. That’s what the administration is trying to stop, but Cassidy says Louisiana consumers could pay the price in the short term. 

Impact on Louisiana’s Economy 

Small businesses across Louisiana, from Monroe to Lake Charles, often rely on low-cost imported goods to keep shelves stocked and prices manageable. Higher tariffs could squeeze profit margins or force owners to pass costs onto customers. 

Cassidy also brought up cars, specifically, affordable models that use parts made in Mexico. If tariffs apply there, too, “that could raise the cost of those automobiles by 25 percent,” he said. 

It’s a balancing act. “We want the jobs. We want high-paying jobs, but we also need affordable goods,” Cassidy said. “That’s the tension the president is trying to work out.” 

Looking for Long-Term Solutions

Cassidy isn’t dismissing the need for action. In fact, he credits the Trump administration for getting Mexico to act more aggressively against cartels, partially because of the tariff threats. And he acknowledged that this “art of the deal” strategy echoes moves made by President Trump. 

But while policy debates unfold in D.C., Cassidy is thinking about the family standing in line at a Bossier City store, trying to stretch every dollar. “We’ve already had four years of inflation under Biden and Harris,” he said. “We don’t want to see that again.” 

A Reminder of What’s at Stake

At the end of the interview, Cassidy didn’t shy away from a hard truth: “Americans like to do what they want to do.” But he also admitted that overconsumption has its consequences, and if short-term discomfort leads to a stronger economy in the long run, it may be worth it. 

Still, he hopes trade enforcement doesn't come at the cost of Louisiana’s families and small businesses. “We need to get this right,” he said. “Because the people who’ll feel it first aren’t in Washington, they’re right here at home.”