JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tariffs on goods imported from other countries are set to go into effect Wednesday. While President Trump said the tariffs will boost the U.S. economy and protect American jobs, at least one Johnson City business owner said the tariffs will hurt his business, as he only deals in imports.

Fair trade is the mission behind Artisans’ Village in downtown Johnson City, guaranteeing products are handmade ethically and that artisans from developing countries are paid a fair wage.

“Fair trade is a concept that seeks to provide sustainable economic opportunities to folks that would otherwise be taken advantage of or marginalized in the free market,” said Michael Short, the owner of Artisans’ Village.

Artisans’ Village offers unique inventory from 28 different countries, including Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. Most of the countries in those regions and continents could be subject to new tariffs. Short said he’ll know which countries exactly as invoices from suppliers come in.

“I’m going to find out specifically from suppliers because what’s going to happen is they’re going to factor that into what I am currently purchasing those products for,” Short told News Channel 11. “And it’s going to be an obvious increase. I think it’s going to be passed down to me. And obviously, as a small business, I have to pass that along to the end user.”

However, Short said nothing is certain, but he added that is part of the problem. He does not know exactly how tariffs will impact his artisans or his business. The other issue is, if he does have to increase prices, just how much will his customers be willing to pay?

Short fears that if the price is too high, it may put him or his suppliers out of business. That is why he is waiting before making any changes at his store.

“We’re kind of in a wait and see pattern, trying to find out exactly how this is going to affect us. We don’t want to overreact. That’s not going to help anybody,” said Short.

Short said the spring is a slower time of year for business. He explained that sales will pick up in the warmer months as foot traffic in downtown increases. He hopes that by then, the tariff situation will be clearer.