As tariffs continue to ripple through the economy, some Arizona businesses are feeling both the pressures and potential of the federal government's trade strategies. In Aguila, Arizona, third-generation rancher Brian DeGanahl is hopeful that President Trump's tariffs could open international markets for local beef producers. "What we would like is to have access to these foreign markets," DeGanahl told ABC15. He believes improved access could significantly boost sales, saying, "We have zero sales in Australia. None. And they sell billions of dollars in the United States."
Contrastingly, Erica Campbell, a small business owner and full-time mother of three, is facing a different reality. Tariffs on Chinese imports are likely to severely impact her e-commerce business, "Be a Heart," which sells Catholic themed gifts. Facing increased costs, she anticipates having to raise her prices, to almost effectually lose a substantial part of her customer base. "Right now this $40 night light would need to sell for $62," Campbell explained to ABC15. A sharp downturn in the economy due to tariffs could force her, and many small business owners like her, out of business.
Meanwhile, the snowbird industry, a significant contributor to the state's economy, is seeing the fallout from steel and aluminum tariffs, among others, imposed by the Trump Administration. According to a report by FOX10 Phoenix, real estate agent Miles Zimbaluck notes an alarming trend among Canadian clients. "We are definitely seeing an uptick in people selling their properties," said Zimbaluck. From the start of 2024 to the same period in 2025, listings from Canadians have surged by 700%, while their purchases have plummeted by 40%.
MacKenzie Shane from the Greater Phoenix Chamber weighed in on the broader economic repercussions of these tariffs. "Canadian snowbirds have an estimated impact of about $1.4 billion to our economy," Shane disclosed to FOX10 Phoenix. As trade tensions with Canada continue to escalate, residents like Gary Wagner from Alberta, who has spent 12 winters in Apache Junction, are contemplating their next move. "To me, they aren’t considering what the implications are down the line," Wagner told FOX10 Phoenix, expressing concerns over the potentially damaging rift between American and Canadian relations.
The issue of tariffs remains multifaceted and divisive, offering potential gains for some while threatening the livelihood of others in Arizona. As such, the state continues to navigate international trade policies, seeking a balanced path between growth and preservation of its diverse economic landscape.
