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Some Seattle-based businesses are looking to recoup the added costs of Trump-era tariffs, as Thursday marks one year since the president announced his sweeping Liberation Day tariffs and duties on many U.S. trade partners.

Inside the King's Oriental Foods warehouse in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, owner Mew Pongpituk explained that there are more than 700 products shipped from China and Thailand that she sells to 300 restaurants across Western Washington.

She estimates her costs went up as much as 20% over the past year due to various sets of tariffs, leading her to temporarily reduce stock orders.

"I can tell that my sales were a little bit lower last year during the tariffs, and a lot of my customers went out of business, too," Pongpituk explained.

Thursday marks one year since the Liberation Day tariffs to address what President Trump called a national emergency of trade imbalances. The 10% base tariffs aimed to boost domestic manufacturing and protect American jobs.

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene from Washington's 1st District, in a statement, wrote the anniversary is marked by "higher prices and a weaker economy," and as Trump enacted a new, 10-percent broad-based import duty in February.

Economic Commentator Thomas Fellows estimates the average household spent $1,300 over the year in added costs.

"There’s been higher prices, fewer choices, lower quality. Ninety-percent of the tariffs are paid by consumers," Fellows explained. "Some manufacturing jobs have returned, at least in the short term, but overall these tariffs have been negative for businesses and consumers."

State Republican Party Chairman Jim Walsh argues many businesses he's spoken with are more concerned about state policy than what's happening in Washington, D.C., arguing the tariffs can be effective tools to negotiate better trade deals.

"Nobody loves tariffs, but if you use them effectively, you do end up with better trading arrangements, whether it’s services or things manufactured," Rep. Walsh said. "The businesses I talk to are worried more about the cost of doing business here in this state: the Business and Occupation Tax [and] the bevy of different sales taxes."

Pongpituk is still hoping to get back some of those costs. Businesses that directly paid certain tariffs deemed invalid by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.

"I'm still hoping I should be able to recoup some, if not all," Pongpituk stated.

A new employer survey from the Association of Washington Business shows concern over tariffs fell in late 2025, from 37% to 30%, yet more than half of employers (54%) still report negative impacts from tariffs or retaliatory tariffs.

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