BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — With trade talks between the U.S. and China recently resuming, local business owners are cautiously optimistic that new agreements may finally ease years of mounting costs.

In a pivotal meeting on October 30, 2025, between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, the two leaders agreed to roll back certain tariffs on Chinese imports.

Under the deal, tariffs are expected to drop from approximately 57 % to 47 % for many goods, including a reduction of a “fentanyl-precursor” tariff from

20 % to 10 %.

For smaller retailers in Bakersfield — such as KJJC Collectables, which specializes in Funko Pops, retro finds and unique treasures — the relief cannot come soon enough.

Owner Jim Gillis says years of tariffs on goods im

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