Savannah Residents, Businesses Reflect on Trump Tariff Impact

Higher costs continue to affect household budgets a year after tariffs were imposed

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:10am

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An abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the complex economic impacts of tariffs on household budgets.As national trade policies ripple through the local economy, Savannah residents grapple with the higher costs of everyday goods and services.Savannah Today

A year after President Trump's sweeping global tariffs, the impact is still being felt by Savannah residents and business owners, even as the Port of Savannah remains strong. While the port saw record cargo, some locals say higher prices on everyday goods and services have forced them to dip into savings and rethink their budgets.

Why it matters

The tariffs were intended to strengthen American industry, but a year later, the effects on consumers in Savannah reveal the complex and ongoing economic impacts of trade policy decisions. This story highlights how national policies can trickle down to affect local communities in unexpected ways.

The details

Despite the Port of Savannah maintaining strong performance, some Savannah businesses and residents say they are still grappling with the fallout from the tariffs. Michael Mole, co-owner of Integrity Auto Repair, notes that while there wasn't one dramatic price spike, the tariffs added to an overall rise in costs for skilled services like plumbing, electrical work, and home construction. Savannah resident Simone Havel says she has had to dip into her savings to afford everyday purchases, with the cost of pet supplies doubling in just one year.

  • President Trump imposed the sweeping global tariffs one year ago.
  • Eight months into the tariffs, the Georgia Ports Authority announced the Port of Savannah had its second-busiest year ever.
  • From 2024 to 2025, auto and parts imports fell 14% after the 25% tariff on foreign automobiles and parts.

The players

Michael Mole

Co-owner of Integrity Auto Repair in Savannah.

Simone Havel

A Savannah resident who says higher costs have forced her to dip into savings.

Georgia Ports Authority

The organization that announced the Port of Savannah had its second-busiest year ever eight months into the tariffs.

President Trump

Imposed the sweeping global tariffs one year ago.

Fitch Ratings

Reported that auto and parts imports fell 14% from 2024 to 2025 after the 25% tariff on foreign automobiles and parts.

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What they’re saying

“I think there was a humongous panic about what was going to happen price wise this time a year ago.”

— Michael Mole, Co-owner, Integrity Auto Repair

“There hasn't been one singular thing that you can point to and say, yes, this terrible thing in our business was caused by the tariffs.”

— Michael Mole, Co-owner, Integrity Auto Repair

“The consumer is paying more for car repair... really for every skilled service, plumbing, electrician, home building. The consumer is paying more for those services than they ever have before. In that world tariffs are sort of the cherry on top of this cascade of things that are driving those prices up.”

— Michael Mole, Co-owner, Integrity Auto Repair

“It's huge. I have dug into my savings.”

— Simone Havel, Savannah Resident

“Those supplies are out of control expensive... in one year it has doubled.”

— Simone Havel, Savannah Resident

What’s next

The ongoing economic impacts of the tariffs will likely continue to be a topic of debate and discussion, as policymakers assess the long-term effects on industries, businesses, and consumers.

The takeaway

This story highlights how national economic policies can have complex, cascading effects on local communities, even in areas not directly targeted by the policies. The tariffs' impact on Savannah residents' household budgets and small businesses reveals the nuanced ways trade decisions can trickle down and affect everyday life.