SAN ANTONIO – In the wake of proposed 25% trade tariffs with Mexico and Canada, one local business owner is warning the Fiesta community about the effects it could have on the upcoming celebrations.
Jeffery Weiss, owner of Amols' Party and Fiesta Store, said he’s been preparing for Fiesta and Cinco de Mayo throughout the year and will have his final shipment of merchandise arriving in late February. Because of that, he’s not worried about what tariffs could mean for this year’s preparations but is concerned for the future.
“If there’s a 30-day pause, I think we’ll be able to get through this Fiesta without having to pass any of the price increases, hopefully, onto our customers this year,” Weiss said. “Going past this Fiesta, obviously, 25% tariffs across the board, I mean that’s a different story. Of course, we’ll have to clearly re-examine our pricing structure at that time, and we can’t absorb a 25% increase indefinitely.”
Weiss said 70% to 80% of his inventory of art, decorations and merchandise comes from artisan handcrafters in Mexico, something that can’t easily be replaced in the United States.
“Since we have thousands of items that are handmade in Mexico for Fiesta and Mexican decor, this is a significant potential situation for us,” Weiss said. “You can’t replace authentic Mexican decor and art with American-made, unauthentic goods.”
In the meantime, Weiss said he can only focus on what he can control for his customers.
