Pinata another victim of tariffs

The humble pinata has become one of the latest targets to take a whacking in US President Donald Trump's trade war.

- PAULA RAMON

Party store owner Patricia Loperena said she has supplied fewer parties this year than last, which means she is selling fewer of the colourful candy-filled papier mache containers at her southern California store.

Another blow to Ms Loperena's business? The rising cost of the raw materials to make trinkets and custom pinatas, a traditional game at Latino children’s parties that are now popular in much of the United States.

"People stop spending. Instead of, like, making a bigger party, they make it a lot smaller," the 45-year-old told AFP.

Prices are jumping, and that has customers on edge. "They just know there's a lot of unpredictability, and they just want to be cautious," she said.

They are spending less overall because of jitters over how Trump's policies will unfold.

Ms Loperena is worried about Trump’s new tariffs, too — especially the outright trade war underway with China.

'GOING TO GET WORSE'

To adjust and help protect Ollin Party Store in the Los Angeles suburb of Granada Hills, Ms Loperena has already placed supply orders early to get ahead of the tariffs and build up inventory.