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Trade War Felt In Kentucky

Posted at 6:33 AM, May 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-17 06:34:28-04

(LEX 18)– Businesses in Kentucky are already feeling the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.

The automotive industry is crucial in the Bluegrass with Toyota’s Georgetown plant employing so many, but as the trade war continues the impact is trickling down to car dealerships as well.

Some dealers say they feel uncertain as the impact of tariffs is felt.

The auto industry was hit by steel and aluminum tariffs in March of 2018 and tariffs on Chinese made car parts in July and September of 2018.

Just last week, even higher tariffs were implemented on Chinese made auto parts.

CNN recently spoke to Steve Gates, a Kentucky auto dealer, about how he’d like his business to grow, but now is not the right time.

“It just seems so unfair,” said Gates. “I mean, I work so hard every day. And for the…politicians to dictate to me… what my future is, it just seems…wrong.’

The trade war has also had an impact on the bourbon industry as countries like China have imposed tariffs in return.