It's Time To Protect Chocolate Sales

Here's a bit of new information for you from a recent study by a reputable group of companies on the subject of Withdrawing From NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) which the U.S. has with Mexico and Canada.

If the US withdraws from this agreement, 3 areas which will be affected are tariff increases, reduced consumer spending and lost jobs, amounting to the loss of billions of dollars and displaced lives.

As a retail store, we are concerned about the results of this withdrawal.  US retail carries $182 billion worth of products from NAFTA partners.  If there is withdrawal from the agreement, there will be a loss of consumer purchasing power, which will reduce the bottom line of retail sales.

It is projected that 128,000 people will lose their retail jobs.  Not good, huh?

Here's a great example.  The US consumes 20% ($18 billion) of the chocolate eaten in the world annually.  Wow!!  US retailers import $2 billion of this candy from Mexico and Canada.  Without NAFTA, 10% of chocolate consumed in the US would be affected by an additional $261 million in tariffs annually.

Asparagus sales will also be affected.....just saying.

Local retailers already have a great deal to contend with.  The economy, the internet and now possibly the withdrawal from NAFTA and what will result from that.

Let's protect our chocolate sales and the jobs of the people who sell yummy chocolate!!