The Seattle City Council Select Committee on Federal Administration & Policy Change convened on June 20, 2025, to discuss pressing economic challenges faced by local businesses, particularly in light of recent tariff changes and their uneven impacts across Southeast Asia.

During the meeting, business representatives highlighted the confusion and financial strain caused by varying tariff rates imposed on imports from different countries. For instance, while tariffs on Chinese goods reached as high as 150%, those on products from Thailand and Vietnam were significantly lower, at 40% and 4%, respectively. This disparity has complicated pricing strategies for local businesses, leading to increased operational chaos and financial losses.

One business owner noted a marked decline in customer purchasing power, attributing it to rising prices that have forced consumers to buy less. The owner reported a decrease in both the size of customer purchases and overall foot traffic, indicating that many shoppers are now more cautious with their spending. This trend has been exacerbated by previous panic buying, which has left some customers overstocked and reluctant to spend.

Council members expressed interest in understanding how local officials could better support businesses during these challenging times. While acknowledging the limited influence they may have on federal policies, they encouraged discussions on local initiatives that could alleviate some of the pressures faced by businesses. One pressing concern raised was the impact of homelessness in the international districts, which has been negatively affecting local stores.

The meeting underscored the need for ongoing dialogue between local government and business leaders to address these economic challenges and explore potential solutions that could foster a more stable business environment in Seattle.