Between reckless trade wars and a war of choice with Iran, Trump’s toxic agenda has wrecked the economy and hit Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)-owned businesses hard. Restaurant owners and grocery shopkeepers can barely afford imported goods because of sky-high tariffs, and inflation has soared to the highest level in years — forcing customers to pay more or not shop at all. And while AANHPI small businesses struggle to keep the lights on, Trump admitted he “doesn’t think” about American’s financial situations, “not even a little bit.” 

In response, DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad released the following statement: 

“AANHPI-owned small businesses are the backbone of so many of our communities, and it is devastating to see Trump’s cruel economic agenda hurt our local Asian grocery store owners, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs. Trump’s reckless policies are already skyrocketing the cost of everyday goods, and now his toxic agenda has made it impossible for business owners to afford their inventory or keep their businesses afloat. From now until Election Day, we will organize and mobilize our communities to elect Democratic leaders who will bring much-needed relief to the AANHPI-owned businesses our communities rely on.”

Trump’s failed economy has left AANHPI business owners in the lurch. Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed the cost of imported goods, forcing store owners to stop carrying essentials like rice and some produce altogether. Meanwhile, as the AANHPI community sours on Trump’s economy overall, many customers can no longer afford to support Asian supermarkets and grocery stores.

• AANHPI small business owners are struggling as a result of Trump’s economy, calling it an “emergency situation” and admitting to limiting stock because of Trump’s tariffs. 
• 80% of AANHPI adults cited the cost of living, including groceries and healthcare, as a major source of stress, directly citing Trump’s actions as contributing to higher costs.
• 90% of people in the AANHPI community do not believe economic challenges will improve under Trump.