ABC Supermarket in Little Saigon is like a Donald Trump tariff rant come to fragrant, tasty life. Sorghum liquors from China, frozen seafood from Malaysia, Thai fish sauce, Japanese candies, and a galaxy of products from Vietnam. All of these imports would be slammed by the massive tariffs that Trump threatened to impose on many Asian nations, with Vietnam at 46%, among the highest. But in Little Saigon, enmity for the Vietnamese government thrives among the older generation, many of whom arrived in the U.S. as refugees after the fall of Saigon nearly 50 years ago. Some are even willing to pay higher prices if it means the Communist regime will suffer. Diep Truong, 65, thinks everything will become more expensive, but if it hurts the Vietnamese government, she’s all for it. Not really sure why this matters, but it seems like a big deal to these folks.
John Nguyen, 39, is worried that consumers won’t be able to afford the higher prices that tariffs could bring. He’s got a point – not everyone in Little Saigon is rolling in cash. Vietnamese food is a big part of their culture, and if prices go up, it’s gonna hit hard. He didn’t vote in the 2024 election, despising Trump but not impressed with Kamala Harris. It’s a tough spot to be in when your parents are Trump supporters and don’t seem to mind the president’s trade war. The tech worker is worried – let’s see how they feel when dinner costs an arm and a leg.
Shoppers at the Little Saigon market Sieu Thi ABC Supermarket are gonna feel the pinch after Trump’s tariffs on Vietnam kick in. That generational divide is evident in many conversations with folks there. The Republican Party has long held sway in Little Saigon for its anti-Communist stance, and support for Trump remains strong among older Vietnamese immigrants. Over the decades, doing business with Vietnam has evolved from an affront to a common profession that keeps Little Saigon stocked with affordable goods. Stephanie Nguyen, 52, voted for Trump proudly but admits the tariffs have hit her pocket hard. Sacrificing for the benefit of the country sounds noble, but at what cost? It’s a tough call to make.
Vy Nguyen, 26, is worried about the impact of tariffs on small businesses like her family’s nail-trimming equipment business. The tariffs could be devastating if they happen, and she’s already had to cut back on orders from Vietnam. She’s trying to stay afloat in a sea of uncertainty – it’s not an easy place to be. Everyone seems to be on edge, trying to figure out what to do. The waiting game is hard, and nobody knows what’s next. The uncertainty is driving people crazy.
Vietnam is a major exporter to the U.S., with companies big and small relying on imports from there. The trade deficit is huge, putting Vietnam at the top of Trump’s hit list for tariffs. A generation ago, doing business with Vietnam was a big no-no in Little Saigon. Anyone who even thought about it was branded a Communist sympathizer and faced backlash. The times have changed, but the wounds from the past are still fresh. Janet Nguyen, 48, fled Vietnam as a child and has been urging presidents not to go easy on Vietnam in trade deals. She’s concerned about the impact of Trump’s strategy on her district and the people she represents.
Tim Nguyen, 42, chair of the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce, is trying to calm the storm of uncertainty. Everyone is on edge, trying to figure out what to do next. The best thing they can do is convey information and keep people informed. The chamber has been at the forefront of promoting trade with Vietnam, even at great personal cost. The resilience of the Vietnamese people shines through in moments of crisis – they adapt and overcome. It’s what they’ve been doing for 50 years, and they’ll figure it out this time too.
The landscape of Little Saigon is changing, with the younger generation less tied to the past traumas of their parents. A Little Saigon business is now a global business, and everyone seems to be importing something. The pride in Vietnamese products is palpable, and the community is pulling together in the face of uncertainty. The tariffs may hit hard, but the people of Little Saigon are resilient – they’ll find a way through this mess. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like they’ve got this.
