Tariffs Squeeze Bowling Green Businesses

Rising import prices force local shop owners to raise costs for customers

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:36am

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A vibrant abstract illustration using overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of red, blue, and yellow to conceptually represent the economic pressures facing a small business due to tariffs.Rising import costs force a local shop owner to raise prices, straining ties with the diverse community it serves.Bowling Green Today

Tariffs are taking a toll on small businesses in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as import prices continue to rise. Ali Miah, owner of the International Food Market, says his costs have gone up 20-30%, forcing him to increase prices for customers. Despite complaints, Miah remains committed to serving the diverse community that relies on his store for international foods.

Why it matters

Bowling Green is home to a vibrant immigrant community, and businesses like Miah's International Food Market play a vital role in providing access to cultural foods and products. As trade policies impact the bottom line of these local shops, it threatens the ability of small business owners to serve their communities.

The details

With most of his inventory imported from around the world, Miah's business is battling a significant price hike due to tariffs. He has been forced to raise prices 20-30% to keep up with his monthly bills, leading to customer complaints. However, Miah remains dedicated to supporting the diverse population of Bowling Green that relies on his store.

  • Tariffs have been impacting Miah's business over the past year.

The players

Ali Miah

The owner of the International Food Market in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who operates a store catering to the city's diverse immigrant population.

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What they’re saying

“Our food goes up 20 to 10%, so our business going down.”

— Ali Miah, Owner, International Food Market

“Customers always complain, but I have no choice what I can do. I'm a little man, you know, a small businessman. So we are all suffering overall.”

— Ali Miah, Owner, International Food Market

The takeaway

The struggles faced by Miah's International Food Market highlight the broader impact of trade policies on small, community-oriented businesses that serve as hubs for immigrant populations. As tariffs continue to squeeze local shops, it threatens the vibrancy and diversity of neighborhoods like Bowling Green.