June 6, 2025

Charleston Vendors Adjust Prices Amid Tariff Struggles

News Summary

Charleston’s City Market is seeing price increases as local vendors respond to tariffs instated by the Trump administration. Despite robust tourism growth, vendors express concern about the impact of these tariffs on their pricing strategies and future growth, with some reporting significant inventory cost hikes. As the tourism sector remains strong, businesses worry that potential economic downturns linked to tariffs could jeopardize their operations. Adjustments in local pricing signify a broader concern for the economic landscape in Charleston.

Charleston, South Carolina, is witnessing slight price increases in various items sold at the historic City Market due to recent tariff policies. These tariffs, primarily enacted by the Trump administration on foreign goods, have led local vendors to adjust their pricing strategies as they deal with higher costs for some of their inventory. The impact comes at a particularly critical time, as the tourism sector in Charleston is experiencing notable strength.

In April 2024, Charleston’s tourism showed robust growth, with many local businesses benefiting from increased visitor traffic. However, as Daniel Guttentag of the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis emphasizes, any economic downturn linked to tariffs could slow the momentum of the tourism economy. Local establishments that heavily rely on tourism are particularly vulnerable to these shifts.

One such business, Maccaro on King Street, has reported a significant downturn in foot traffic compared to previous years. Business owners are increasingly concerned that tariffs may dampen their growth prospects. Despite these economic pressures, Doug Warner from the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau points out that there is no tariff on air travel, suggesting that the overall cost to visit Charleston remains comparatively low.

While Charleston experiences a strong influx of visitors, data indicates that its international travel market share remains smaller than other major cities like New York and Las Vegas, where tourism has sharply declined. The City Market, a key attraction for tourists, is also showing subtle signs of the tariff effects, causing vendors to adjust their prices for goods both produced locally and sourced from overseas.

For example, Brittany Wilson from Charleston Christmas Collectibles has noted an increase in replacement costs for inventory ranging between 13% to 40% due to ongoing tariffs, necessitating some price hikes on certain items. This trend is concerning for many small business owners, especially as they face additional challenges in the current economic environment. Carrie Smith, the manager of Christmas Collectibles, has indicated that the persistence of these tariffs could negatively impact the survival and growth plans of small businesses across the area.

Other vendors have experienced varying impacts. Fraser Young from Big Kick Coffee Roasters has highlighted that tariffs on coffee imports are contributing to existing pressures on the market, exacerbating challenges stemming from prior crop failures. Meanwhile, some artisans selling hand-crafted wooden pens and French-made tablecloths have yet to adjust their prices, suggesting that not all products have been immediately affected by the tariff changes.

Chuma Nwokike, owner of Chuma Gullah Gallery, has expressed that, while the immediate impact of tariffs may not be readily apparent for some businesses, the effects are comprehensive and touch all vendors in some capacity. The broader economic landscape concerning tariffs indicates that while tourism remains strong now, upcoming shifts in policy could endanger future growth.

As Charleston balances its thriving tourism industry with the rising costs associated with tariffs, all eyes are on how these factors will continue to influence both local vendors and the overall economy in the coming months.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Frasers Property Makes Second Bid for Frasers Hospitality Trust
Oregon Lawyer Celebrates Legal Victory Against Trump Tariffs
Local Leaders Defend BMW Spartanburg Against Navarro’s Claims
Trump Doubles Steel and Aluminium Tariffs
South Carolina Business Leaders Support BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Trump Administration’s Vision for Alaska LNG Project
Lawyers Celebrate Victory: Federal Court Nixes Trump’s Global Tariffs
Trump’s Trade Claims Tense Relations with China
BMW Defends Spartanburg Operations Amid White House Criticism
People’s Rally Against Fascism Draws Hundreds in Charleston

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.