04-03-2025
Chicago small business owners concerned over Trump's tariffs on Mexican imports
CHICAGO — Chicago's small business owners are still on edge after Monday's news that President Trump will begin enforcing tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada.
In Little Village, 26th Street is considered the economic engine of a neighborhood that brings Mexican traditions to Chicago. But that engine is beginning to feel some cracks.
Mexico is the third largest importer of goods for Illinois, bringing in an estimated $18 billion dollars in 2023. The talk of tariffs comes at a time when business owners say Mexican brands were beginning to recover from the pandemic.
WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud
Meanwhile, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is tasked with easing consumers and conglomerates as they attempt to build more Mexican investment in Illinois.
WGN Investigates' Lourdes Duarte spoke with one business owner who laid out what it means for Illinois.
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