L.A. was forged by global commerce. Can the metropolis we know survive the Trump trade wars?

In the 1980s, Fang Chen grew up in San Marino, a mostly white community that occasionally displayed racism towards new Asian residents. Fast forward to today, the population of San Marino is now nearly 70% Asian, with almost half of the residents born outside the U.S. Chen, a stay-at-home mom advocating for purchasing mansions in San Marino, is now reconsidering due to the impact of President Trump’s fluctuating tariffs. The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has caused anxiety among residents with connections to countries affected by the trade measures.

Los Angeles and its suburbs heavily influenced by globalization, have a diverse economy and culture. Trump’s recent tariff threats have left the region on edge, affecting residents from wealthy homeowners to small business owners who rely on imports. While Trump initially announced tariffs on various countries, he later revised the terms, creating further confusion. Business owners like Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai and Danny Tran of Son Fish Sauce are reevaluating their operations due to the potential impact of tariffs on imports.

The globalization of Los Angeles has reshaped the city into a vibrant, multicultural hub. Waves of immigration have transformed neighborhoods and industries, with the port complex playing a significant role in the region’s economy. People like Ivan Vasquez, an Oaxacan immigrant and owner of Madre restaurants, fear the repercussions of tariffs on their businesses. The evolving nature of globalization has brought both opportunities and challenges to individuals like Jackson Yang, who built an international trading company, and Smadar Gubani, who runs a multicultural day-care center.

The interconnectedness of Los Angeles with global markets has made the region susceptible to the effects of trade wars. Rising food prices, uncertainty among immigrant communities, and the impact on local businesses underscore the complexities of navigating a globalized economy. Real estate agent Brent Chang highlights the city’s reliance on the global economy, particularly Asian buyers who have influenced San Marino’s housing market. As the region grapples with the implications of trade policies, residents and businesses are left to adapt to an uncertain economic landscape.