$1K Tariff Bill Surprises Old Town Alexandria Business Owner

ALEXANDRIA, VA — When fibre space owner Danielle Romanetti buys goods from overseas, the tariffs were typically a few hundred dollars for goods priced around $2,400. But recently, Romanetti was taken aback by a tariff bill of $1,016.

The business owner documented her experience and the impact of tariffs on small business owners in an Alexandria Stylebook blog post. She said the tariff bill resulted from a $2,460 order of tins and stitch markers from Vancouver, Canada business Firefly Notes. Romanetti said the types of items are nearly exclusively made outside the U.S., and there isn't an item she can buy from a U.S. manufacturer.

President Donald Trump had imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico. While exemptions were granted under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, imports not covered under the agreement are subject to the tariffs.

Due to the increased cost of importing these items, fibre space added $1 to the $12 small tin and $18 large tin prices. Romanetti said that $1 covered half of the tariff cost. The business owner is evaluating if the store can continue selling the items based on if customers are willing to pay that price.

On top of that, fibre space gets all of its needles from manufacturers in Asia. Romanetti says needles are a must to have in stock, since the store's main focus is yarn products.

Romanetti's comments came after Amy Rutherford, owner of Pippin Toy Co. and two other Alexandria small businesses, has similarly shared concerns about tariffs. Rutherford has warned about costs increasing from the store's toys imported from China.

Romanetti called for continued support for small businesses from customers, noting businesses are still absorbing tariff costs despite price increases. She encouraged residents to look for holiday gifts earlier, as businesses may increase the prices charged to customers.