In the Face of Global Trade Tensions, a California Community Aims to Navigate the Effects of Tariffs

LINCOLN, Calif.—As one of the swiftly expanding suburban areas in Northern California, Lincoln remains dependent on its small, family-run businesses for economic vitality.

These local enterprises often cater to regional markets and mainly acquire their products and supplies from nearby sources.

Tom Indrieri, the CEO of the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, views this reliance positively amidst the current import tariff landscape.

In his view, sometimes being smaller not only has advantages but may also be a safeguard against tariffs.

He remarked that none of the roughly 450 businesses in the chamber have expressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s import tariffs.

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Between 2022 and 2023, the median property value increased by nearly 6 percent, reaching approximately $628,000, while the median household income during this period was $108,108.

Although the city has seen rapid residential development since 2003, it has managed to maintain much of its family-friendly appeal.

One notable local business, Gladding McBean, which possesses some of the richest clay reserves globally, recently celebrated 150 years in the production of terracotta, clay pipes, and tile products.

The historic stretch along Lincoln Boulevard is home to numerous quaint gift and antique shops, along with eateries like Hops and Hogs Country Smokehouse.

Phil Woodman, the owner of this establishment, launched his business about six months ago, offering local foods and craft beers.

“The weekends are bustling, while the weekdays are a bit slower. That’s just the nature of Lincoln,” Woodman noted.

He remains optimistic that his business will be shielded from the broader impacts of tariffs, as he has no exports to worry about.

“I’m unsure how it impacts other items I purchase. I haven’t felt it yet, but I hope it doesn’t affect us. Time will tell,” he commented to The Epoch Times.

“Given that this city produces much of its own goods, I think it might handle tariffs better, but we prefer to source locally as much as possible.”

Woodman expressed that tariffs aren’t his main concern; rather, it’s the state regulations and domestic inflation in prices—like that of eggs—that could most affect his operations.

“Tariffs haven’t really been the issue for me; it’s primarily state regulations or gas prices impacting costs. This is the nature of the food industry, with middlemen and distribution involved. Once fuel costs rise, extra charges typically follow,” he explained.

The last thing customers expect is to see increased menu prices, Woodman remarked.

“While they recognize that the cost of eggs has risen, they still expect breakfast prices to remain unchanged. It’s that mindset. Consequently, restaurant owners find it challenging to adapt to rising costs,” he said.

“It typically takes about six months for customers to realize a legitimate price change and accept it.”

Gold’s Steady Shine Amid Tariffs

Just a few stores down from Hops and Hogs Smokehouse is Lincoln Gold & Coin.

Jim D’Ambrosio, who has owned the shop for eleven years, believes that gold and silver may perform better in a tariff-driven market.

“I’m not certain if tariffs will benefit the global economy, but we must wait and see how the situation evolves,” D’Ambrosio remarked.

“I was forecasting $4,000 [per ounce of gold] by the year’s end due to its upward trend. That goal may still be attainable.”

Gold recently reached an unprecedented high of over $3,100 per ounce before adjusting to below $3,000.

Ralph Colunga, the chairman of Lincoln’s annual Rods and Relics Car Show, emphasized the significance of tourism and community events to the local economy.

He stated that the effectiveness of Trump’s import tariffs is still subject to evaluation.

“It seems more like a negotiating strategy,” Colunga observed. “Nonetheless, whether one appreciates his methods or not, Trump is a savvy businessman. It’s important to give it time to evaluate the results.”

Indrieri, who previously crafted large steel barbecues for his catering venture, found that rising costs made this impractical.

He clarified that it was inflation—not tariffs—that caused the price of steel to escalate from $190 per sheet to $450.

“That’s why I stopped constructing barbecues,” he stated.

Indrieri emphasized that Lincoln’s diverse array of small local businesses is redefining retail dynamics amidst a global trade conflict.

“We produce outstanding wines here. There are three or four wineries that are exceptionally high-quality, awarded gold medals,” Indrieri noted. “There’s a sense of optimism prevailing, affirming that we can compete against unfair trade practices.”