Casa Kevin begins to feel effects of increased tariffs

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As a trade war intensifies between China and the U.S., some stores in the Rio Grande Valley are starting to feel the effects.

Casa Kevin in Brownsville is just one of several shops in the Valley that mainly sell Chinese merchandise.

Stores like Casa Kevin are known for their affordability, but that may change.

Regular customer Pamela Torres does her monthly makeup stock-up at Casa Kevin.

Torres says she has been shopping at the Casa Kevin Brownsville location for five years at a pocket-friendly price.

“Makeup is what I do as a hobby,” said Torres.

Torres spends up to $50 for her makeup essentials.

The owner of Casa Kevin says prices may increase starting next month if the intense trade war between the United States and China continues.

At stores like Casa Kevin, people mostly shop for items use in day-to-day life, and also anything that may be trendy.

It's a lifestyle some say may change if tariffs on Chinese goods continue.

However, affordability is what keeps the doors open at this store, and of course customer loyalty.

"That's why they come here because of the low prices," said Carolina Villa. "Hopefully they keep coming."

President Trump did put a pause on certain tariffs, but that did not include China.