NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — President Trump's tariffs appear to be getting mixed reviews in Tennessee. A new poll from Vanderbilt University found that a majority of Tennessee's registered voters oppose tariffs.

From Chinese goods, to steel and aluminum, and auto parts, News 2 spoke to a local business about how the tariffs are impacting them.

On Nolensville Pike, Bass Tire has been in business for 47 years. “Yeah, what I get to do every day is I get to wait on folks in all walks of life and make their car run better. Making them smile and just helping people,” said Steve Bass, Owner of Bass Tire.

Bass said the majority of his customers are regulars. Now he’s fearful that tariffs on auto parts might impact their bill.

“It adds up, it really adds up like everything else, it impacts the family budget,” Bass said.

According to a new Vanderbilt University poll, 46% of voters in the study support Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on foreign products, while 53% oppose the move.

"Tariffs remain controversial. Tennesseans in general are not wild about tariffs," John Greer, Vanderbilt Political Science Professor, Poll Founder, said.

The poll also shows that "when it comes to the economy, 61% of Tennesseans say they worry about having enough money to pay for emergencies, such as medical care or car repairs." 

Meanwhile, at Bass Tire, Bass said he’s seen a cost increase from tire manufacturers. “Most of the major manufacturers have announced a 5% increase, and most of that will take effect in June."

He said most of his products and parts are not made in the U.S. “Probably 60% is built overseas."

However, he said it is still cheaper to fix your car than buy a new one, and he’s hopeful that prices on auto parts will balance out in the future.   

“I think the long term, if they can get manufacturing back here, it will help to some degree, but in the short term, we are going to feel the pinch on that,” Bass said. 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/trumps-tariffs-impacting-nashville-tn-auto-repair-shops/