As reported by NBC10 Philadelphia, President Trump’s new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China took effect today, March 4. The U.S. is now imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a combined 20% tariff on Chinese imports after adding a new 10% tariff to the existing 10%.

On March 4, reporter Neil Fischer visited the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia to interview President and CEO Lauren Swartz about how the new tariffs could impact American consumers, particularly with goods like groceries, building materials, and auto parts.

Explained Swartz, leader of the largest and longest-running international nonprofit in the Philadelphia region, “Canada, Mexico, and China are our top three [trading partners]. In Pennsylvania alone, we have $60 billion a year in bilateral trade with those three countries.”

Swartz shared that tariffs on the U.S.’s top trading partners could have a major economic impact. Explained Swartz, “In this case, for products that are coming from Mexico, Canada, and China, in order for them to enter this country, an extra fee has to be paid.”

In her leadership role at World Affairs—a nonpartisan nonprofit serving the Philadelphia region—Lauren Swartz helps to connect Philadelphia to the world. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, this is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.