MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Georgia’s economy depends heavily on international trade, and new numbers from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce highlight just how big of a role it plays. The chamber reported $198.7 billion in foreign trade in 2024 , making Georgia the sixth-largest state for international trade.

The chamber said Georgia is well-positioned to benefit from global investments and trade partnerships. But tariffs, it warns, are raising costs for businesses and consumers alike.

Arthur Merchant has seen the effects firsthand at Milledgeville Liquidation Depot. It's a store he's owned for nearly a decade. His business model is built on selling flooring, appliances and furniture at bargain prices, but those deals are getting harder to keep.

For the third time this year, Merchant’s su

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