In Video: Tariffs on Chinese imports threaten Black beauty supply stores

Tariffs’ Hidden Cost: How China’s Trade War Affects Black Hair Care

While beauty supply store Pink Noir may seem worlds away from the global trade war, its owner, Chassity Monroe, is all too aware of the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on her business. Nine out of 10 products in her store, which specializes in hair care and beauty products for black women, are sourced from China. With the new 145% tariff on imports from China, Monroe’s vendors have already increased their prices, and she expects these increases to soon hit her store shelves.

A $2.5 Billion Industry at Risk

Black hair care is a significant industry in the United States, estimated to be worth $2.5 billion. And for small businesses like Monroe’s, loyal customers are bracing for impact. "Sometimes we may not even be able to get a job if we don’t look a certain way," Monroe said, emphasizing the importance of black hair care for many women.

Small Businesses Struggle to Adjust

For small businesses like Monroe’s, adapting to the new tariffs is a significant challenge. Economist Travon Logan notes that they lack the negotiating power to challenge suppliers who are passing on the increased costs. "The second problem is you think one of the things you would do is buying a lot of things now before the tariffs hit. But if you’re a small business, you don’t have a lot of space to stock all of that inventory," Logan said.

A Turning Point for American Manufacturing?

The Trump administration has touted the goal of bringing manufacturing back to the US. However, for Pink Noir, the prices of domestic production have made it unaffordable. Monroe has explored creating her own hair care line, but the minimum order quantities are astronomical for a small business.

A Fearful but Resilient Small Business Owner

For Monroe, the risk to her business is more than just financial – it’s about the impact on her community. "This is a community thing," she said, expressing her fear of the impact on the community she serves. Despite the challenges, Monroe remains hopeful, saying, "We are resilient. I come from a resilient people. It’s not just a beauty a place where people are getting pretty. This is a community thing."

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