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What Trump's new tariffs on Chinese goods mean for LA's economy

The popular company "Bird" has flocks of e-scooters like this one all over West LA.
The popular company "Bird" has flocks of e-scooters like this one all over West LA.
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KPCC/Caleigh Wells
)

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President Trump slapped new tariffs on $16 billion worth of Chinese goods on Thursday, and the effects will be felt in many parts of Southern California's economy. 

Los Angeles is home to North America's busiest port, and China is by far its top trading partner. Recently, business has been booming — thanks in part to shipments that may have been rushed in ahead of tariffs going into effect. But now, port officials worry about a slowdown. 

And California companies that rely on Chinese imports will be faced with new costs. Startups like Bird and Lime could be affected, because the electric scooters they've popularized in many California cities are among the products subject to the new tariffs. 

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