Experts and local businesses react to the tariffs going into effect on Canada and Mexico

Experts and local businesses are reacting to the tariffs going into effect.

Julia Rosier

Mar 5, 2025, 4:55 AM

Updated yesterday

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The 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada went into effect Tuesday.
Experts and local businesses are reacting to the tariffs going into effect.
At Beckerle Lumber in Rockland County, about 20% of their products come from Canada. Last month, they told News 12 they were hopeful that a permanent deal would have been reached during the 30-day pause. Now, concerns are rising again about what it could mean for business, shipments and prices.
"Everybody wants a crystal ball, what's going to happen. It's definitely putting a major concern that there's going to be a slowdown in our industry," says Mike Beckerle, owner of Beckerle Lumber.
Gary Klein, a professor at Westchester Community College also reacting to the tariffs. Klein says the tariffs bring uncertainty for many.
"History has shown once a tariff war begins, it’s very, very, very difficult to contain its effects," he says.