In response to an article in the Friday, Oct. 5, Tribune titled “Tariffs starting to bite, but how hard is not yet clear,” it was gratifying to read the statement from Michele Hoaglund, a fabric store owner in St. Paul. Ms. Hoaglund mentioned she might switch vendors to avoid buying fabric from China, which is predicted to rise in price between 10 percent and 25 percent by the beginning of 2019. Bingo!

If I understand the situation correctly, one of the reasons for these tariffs, along with leveling the playing fields between America and its trading partners, is to encourage businesses to buy American goods rather than importing them. If the tariffs bring the prices of imported goods (especially cheaper Chinese products) closer to what they would cost if purchased domestically, that is what will bolster American industry, put more Americans to work at good wages and bring some industries back to to the U.S.

Factories relocated because of the difference in prices; they can return to American soil for the same reasons. Tax incentives also are a part of the picture; our government needs to make it profitable for companies to produce and sell here in America. Kudos to all small businesses that are willing to look for alternative sources for their good and don’t blink when the Chinese holler about unfair trade agreements. It has been unfair for decades, and America has gotten the short stick until now.

Sandra Olson

Northwood