As U.S. businesses brace for the ripple effects of new and anticipated tariff increases, the Bayside Business Association (BBA) is stepping up efforts to support local entrepreneurs and merchants in northeast Queens.
The group is exploring ways to help business owners navigate potential supply chain disruptions and rising costs tied to imports from countries including China, Mexico, Canada and parts of Europe.
With some distributors already adjusting their pricing in anticipation of tariff hikes, BBA leaders say now is the time for businesses to collaborate, plan and share resources.
“I think we can provide a hub of pulling in information to figure out their needs and desires, and see what we can facilitate for them,” said Alison La Ferlita, executive director of the BBA. “Whether it’s hosting workshops or helping them with templates for emergency planning, we’d like to provide them with some kind of jumping off point.”
The BBA, which has long served as a connector among businesses in northeast Queens, regularly organizes workshops, networking events and advocacy efforts. With new U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, strategic goods under consideration, and higher duties already in place on steel, aluminum and certain consumer products, local merchants are increasingly feeling pressure on their supply chains.
“I was talking to somebody who owns a business that makes men’s suits, and the fabric had already gone up over 100%,” said Ed Probst, president of the BBA. “They get a lot of their material from Europe. I think you’re going to see a lot of suppliers are already building in the costs in anticipation of what’s coming.”
Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the administration has resumed an aggressive trade agenda, building on the trade policies from his first term. While supporters argue these measures encourage domestic production, business leaders and economists warn they could lead to higher consumer prices and disrupt small businesses that rely on international suppliers and complex global supply chains.
While some Bayside businesses may still be unsure how the policy changes will affect them, the BBA wants to be proactive.
“One of the things that we’ve always been at the BBA is a sounding board and a place for businesses to collaborate, share stories, share ideas, and try to work together,” said Probst.
Some of the BBA’s ideas include launching a knowledge-sharing hub where members can post updates about vendor changes, shipping delays, or cost increases. The group is also considering a group sourcing initiative, where members can collectively place bulk orders or negotiate for group discounts to offset rising expenses.
Educational workshops, guest speakers, such as trade attorneys or customs experts, and peer support circles are also being explored. The group aims to dedicate part of an upcoming meeting to gathering more direct feedback from businesses on what tools or services would be most helpful.
“We as advocates can always speak to our local leaders and keep them aware of what our businesses are feeling and what their concerns are,” added La Ferlita.
While full membership offers exclusive benefits, BBA workshops and events are open to the public, and La Ferlita emphasized that all businesses in the community are welcome to get involved.
“My concern is always making sure our members and businesses don’t feel like they’re just flying by the seat of their pants,” she said. “These are important things that you need to be prepared for—and you have to get creative with it.”
