Tariff talks with China extended, what it means for New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tariff negotiations between the U.S. and China are moving forward, with major implications for New Orleans’ economy and for the prices consumers pay on everyday goods.

President Trump signed an executive order Monday extending the tariff truce for another 90 days. The new deadline is now set for November 10.

From cranes and containers to crops headed overseas, the Port of New Orleans is a hub for global trade. Economists warn new tariffs could drive up costs on clothing, electronics, agricultural products, and energy, slowing imports into Louisiana and exports leaving the port.

Fewer shipments could mean less work for dock workers, truckers, and warehouse crews and higher prices for shoppers.

“This is going to affect low-income Americans,” said economist Matt Higgins. “If you look at where products in Dollar General, Walmart, Target come from, a lot of that is China. Lower-income individuals spend a higher proportion of their budgets on these goods, so tariffs hit them the hardest.”

In a statement, the Port of New Orleans said it is “monitoring developments” and remains committed to “facilitating efficient and reliable cargo movement.”

Over the weekend, President Trump also called for China to “quickly quadruple” its orders of U.S. soybeans, a potential boost for Louisiana’s exports if the deal goes through.

The tariff extension comes as July’s inflation numbers show consumer prices rising 0.2% from the previous month, keeping the annual rate at 2.7%. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates next month, with Trump urging bigger cuts.

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