Romer: Tariffs threaten our local businesses
The recent imposition of broad-based tariffs by the United States government has reignited debate over trade policy and economic strategy. Our local businesses are feeling the impacts, and there is concern about the direct and long-term implications these tariffs pose, not only to global markets but right here in Eagle County.
Tariffs, simply put, are taxes on imported goods. While they may appear to be aimed at foreign producers, the economic reality is that American consumers and businesses bear the cost. In communities like ours (where the economy thrives on tourism, small business innovation, and supply chain efficiency), those costs are already beginning to ripple.
Increased prices on imported goods affect everything from construction materials to retail inventory. That means higher costs to build and maintain hotels, restaurants and housing, already a critical issue in resort communities like ours. It also means more expensive goods on store shelves, tightening margins for local entrepreneurs and raising prices for working families. In a high-cost-of-living region like Eagle County, these pressures are more than just inconvenient — they’re unsustainable.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the imposition of broad-based tariffs — particularly on imports from key trade partners like China — has historically led to job losses, stifled economic growth, and triggered retaliatory tariffs that target U.S. exports. This is especially problematic for Colorado, which exported over $8 billion in goods in 2023 alone. Our agricultural and outdoor recreation sectors, which rely heavily on international trade, are particularly vulnerable to retaliation.
The Chamber notes that tariffs on Chinese imports already cover over $300 billion in goods and cost the average American household nearly $1,300 annually. Broadening these tariffs risks even more damage. While the goal may be to protect domestic industries and reduce dependence on certain global supply chains, the method is flawed. A tariff-heavy approach does not foster resilience; it introduces volatility. For our business community, that volatility translates to delayed investments, uncertain hiring, and reduced consumer confidence.
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We’ve already seen the consequences of these policies in past years: disrupted supply chains, rising inflation, and weakened trade partnerships. The Chamber warns that repeating those mistakes on a broader scale will slow economic momentum at a time when many communities, including ours, are struggling to increase economic growth. Their analysis shows that extending tariffs to more sectors could eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide.
Here in Eagle County, our economic strength is built on connectivity on a regional, national and international level. Whether it’s ski equipment manufactured overseas, food and wine imported from Europe, or technology sourced globally to power our small businesses, we rely on open trade to keep our local economy competitive and vibrant.
At Vail Valley Partnership, we support policies that promote growth, stability and opportunity. We believe there are better tools than blanket tariffs to address trade imbalances or unfair practices. Solutions like targeted enforcement of trade rules, investment in domestic manufacturing, and strengthening alliances with like-minded economies offer more precise and constructive paths forward.
Policymakers must understand that punitive tariffs are not just a line item in a budget; they are felt by the business owner trying to expand, the restaurant facing higher food costs, and the local retailer making ends meet. These are the people who make up the fabric of our community.
We urge elected leaders to reconsider this blunt policy approach and engage in strategies promoting fairness and economic vitality. In times of uncertainty, we must choose collaboration over confrontation, precision over generalization, and long-term growth over short-term headlines.
Our local businesses need smarter trade policies and any support we can provide to protect the prosperity we’ve built and ensure a thriving future for Eagle County.
Chris Romer is the president and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, a three-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com.
