With an all-out trade war between the U.S. and China, a new report by Investors Observer shows which U.S. states are most exposed and what that could mean for their economies.
Behind states like California and Texas, Florida came in at number 10 as the state that could see a negative impact from higher tariffs.
According to the data, Florida imported $12.87 billion from China in 2024, 11% of its imports and 7% of its GDP. The state’s consumer-driven economy relies on Chinese electronics, apparel, and household goods, so tariffs would likely raise prices for consumers and disrupt Florida’s large logistics sector.
Florida’s neighbor, Georgia, imported $17.52 billion from China in 2024, making up 12% of its imports and 17% of its GDP. The state’s logistics and distribution sectors, centered in Atlanta and Savannah, rely on steady flows of Chinese electronics and consumer goods, supporting thousands of jobs that are vulnerable to trade friction.
Economic analysts say that higher tariffs will disrupt the supply chain, increase costs for Florida consumers, and lead to a slowing economy.
Many retailers doing business in the Sunshine State, such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target, have already mentioned that their customers may see higher prices and the possibility of shortages on certain products, as the retailers rely heavily on China for their goods.
The report notes that supply chain shortages will affect both large retail stores and online shopping platforms.
“While some companies might try to absorb part of the extra costs, many will need to pass them on to consumers, potentially fueling inflation and making it more difficult for families to stretch their budgets. If shoppers cut back on spending due to higher prices, it could also slow sales for retailers and impact local economies,” said Investors’ Observer.
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