
For decades, the small border city of Nogales, Arizona, has operated as a vital economic gateway. Growing up and eventually serving as mayor there, I witnessed firsthand how international commerce can invigorate local communities—or leave them vulnerable to policy shifts. Today, with new tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada, and China, I see some striking parallels to earlier trade disruptions, and I’m convinced we need to scrutinize how these measures impact not just the macro economy, but also communities on the front lines.
The Border’s Beating Heart
Nogales, like many border cities, survives and thrives on trade. We watch cargo trucks loaded with produce, car parts, and countless consumer goods crisscross the boundary day in and day out. These flows aren’t abstract. They mean jobs for the local workforce, customers for local businesses, and vital tax revenue for municipal projects. When tariffs go up, that once-steady stream of commerce can slow to a trickle—and communities along the border feel the pinch in everything from grocery prices to small business operations.
Tariffs: A Policy Tool with History
Tariffs have long been a lever of economic policy in the United States, used intermittently since the founding era to protect domestic industries or as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. During the Great Depression, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) famously deepened economic turmoil by sparking retaliatory tariffs among U.S. trading partners. We’ve seen more recent episodes as well, including steel and aluminum tariffs introduced just a few years back. Time and again, we’ve learned that tariffs rarely come without unintended consequences—including higher costs for businesses and, ultimately, consumers.
Today’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico tap into some of those same dynamics. These nations aren’t just neighbors; they’re consistently among America’s top trading partners, with intricate supply chains that interconnect with nearly every major industry in the U.S. Imposing tariffs on crucial materials or finished goods can easily translate into price hikes for U.S. manufacturers. If factories must pay more for imported steel or electronics, they pass those costs along to you and me.
A Perspective from Customs and Commerce
My experience extends beyond city hall in Nogales; I served as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce and later worked as Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. At each stage, I saw how cross-border trade and national security intersect—and how fragile that balance can be when policy changes.
From a customs standpoint, imposing tariffs means a shift in enforcement priorities, new documentation, and more thorough inspections. Agents on the ground must adapt quickly, sometimes with limited resources. Meanwhile, exporters and importers struggle to comply with sudden price shifts, altered regulations, and confusion over which goods are subject to which duties. In other words, tariffs disrupt carefully calibrated supply chains that took years to establish.
From a commerce perspective, the ripple effects can be equally profound. When a major importer in Nogales finds itself paying significantly more in tariffs, it may reduce its workforce or pass the new costs to consumers in the form of higher prices on fresh produce. Those families who rely on cross-border grocery shopping see their budgets squeezed. Local restaurants see supply costs rise. Over time, even minor tariff rate adjustments can lead to major shifts in consumer behavior and regional economic vitality.
Real-World Costs for Everyday People
Perhaps the greatest misconception about tariffs is that they primarily punish foreign exporters. While there can be short-term strategic value in using tariffs to encourage fair trade practices, the reality is that U.S. consumers often feel the brunt. Whether it’s paying more for fresh avocados, new vehicles, or high-end electronics, Americans are left footing a hefty portion of the bill.
For border communities, the costs come in a concentrated dose. With so many small businesses depending on the steady flow of goods and customers across the port of entry, any disruption—even a short one—can significantly dent local revenue. Moreover, people who have relatives, friends, or business partners on the other side of the border suddenly find themselves navigating increased tension, stricter checks, and less predictable wait times.
Finding the Right Balance
Tariffs can be an effective negotiating tool, but their impact rarely stops at the negotiating table. As someone who has watched the ebb and flow of commerce from both local and national vantage points, I’ve seen how well-intentioned policy can backfire if not carefully calibrated and accompanied by targeted support for affected industries and communities.
Moving forward, we need trade policies that recognize the complexity of modern supply chains and the interdependence of our economies. That means working closely with our neighbors to resolve trade disputes before they reach a point that disrupts livelihoods. It also means providing practical resources—such as training, financing, and infrastructure investments—for businesses and communities impacted by tariff hikes.
From my perspective, protecting American interests includes ensuring that our border communities remain vibrant, dynamic, and well-connected to the broader economy. After all, when Nogales prospers, it’s not just a local win; it’s a small but important step toward a more secure, resilient, and equitable trade environment for our entire nation.
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