HONOLULU (KHON2) — On March 3, President Donald Trump announced that 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will go into effect the next day.

However, products from China also have an added tariff, which is concerning to many local businesses.

While importers and exporters were invited to learn more about market opportunities in the region at a trade seminar on March 3 at Pier 9, the White House announced an additional 10% tariff, doubling the current tax on Chinese goods. This also brings up the additional concern of a possible reciprocal tariff on goods coming from Hawaiʻi.

“I think this tariff, we still need time to figure everything out, including policies and implications toward exports and imports, but I’m sure with the eager demand for Hawaiian products we will continue to navigate and find a way to solve this,” said Cedric Wan of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Jeff Lau of the Hong Kong Business Association, Hawaii shared concerns, but believes that Hawaiʻi will still be able to thrive, given the quality of the islands’ exports.

“In the short run, it might be difficult as the president’s negotiations go forward, but hopefully in the long run things will balance out and bring prosperity to Hawaiʻi,” Lau said. “I believe Hawaiʻi is a place that produces a lot of good and high quality products, and it will be a growing market in Asia especially with Hong Kong as the superconductor.”

Currently, trade between Hawaiʻi and Hong Kong stands at about $11 million, with the exchange of tech and agricultural products being the focal points.

Hong Kong will host a food expo and beverage fair later this year to provide new market opportunities to local businesses hoping to reach Asian consumers.