Local bike shop faces higher prices after Trump’s tariffs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Tariffs put in place by the Trump Administration continue to stir markets around the world as American consumers brace for higher prices. 

Those tariffs are beginning to affect small businesses—including some in the Cape Fear. 

Jim Mincher is the owner of Two Wheeler Dealer in Wilmington.  

Mincher has been operating the shop for 50 years, repairing and selling new and used bikes.  

Mincher says price hikes on nearly half the bikes in his shop are a direct result of tariffs imposed under the Trump Administration on foreign imports.  

“You know, let’s say a $300 bike, it went up $50,” Mincher said. 

More than higher prices—Mincher says—the tariffs have also crippled the supply chain as distributors debate whether to raise prices, or wait and hope.  

“Most of the bicycle industry comes out of China. Suppliers are halting their orders hoping the tariffs come down,” he explained. 

According to the National Bike Dealers Association, China accounts for around 90% of all bicycle imports to the US. Those imports are expected to face tariffs of more than 100%. 

Customers we talked to say they’re less than happy with the new tax.  

“I mean it’s just unfortunate,” Magdalene Bamber said. 

“My thoughts are that it’s pointless,” Amy Chang added. 

Chang rides a vintage bike from the 1960s for leisure, but she worries how the tariffs could affect people who rely on their bike for transportation.  

“Those people are wearing out their bikes a lot faster than I’m wearing out my bike cause they’re biking to work, they’re biking to the store, they’re biking everywhere they go. So, you’re going to hit those people,” she said. 

Bamber—who says she’s due for a new bike—is already finding it harder to get the non-essentials. 

“I feel like everything’s been getting so expensive that it’s kind of getting lower and lower on my list,” Bamber said.  

Mincher remains optimistic his business will weather the storm—but is preparing for the long ride ahead. 

“This is a first for these kinds of tariffs involving the bicycle industry. It’s never been seen before,” he said. 

President Trump has placed a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs against several countries to give time for negotiations. 

However, his steep tariffs on China—the ones that are affecting the bicycle industry—are still in full swing.