Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says American companies are getting more worried about tariffs and the trade war between the U.S. and China.
"We've been hearing a rising chorus of concerns from businesses all over the country about disruption of supply chains, materials cost increases," he said Wednesday. "If this, perhaps inadvertently, goes to a place where we have widespread tariffs that remain in place for a long time, a more protectionist world, that's going to be bad for the United States economy."
On Monday, the Trump administration's 10 percent tariffs on about $200 billion of imports from China took effect. In retaliation, China instituted tariffs on U.S. goods worth $60 billion.
Powell was asked if he sees the administration's tariffs affecting economic growth and inflation.
"It's a concern. It's a risk. You could see prices moving up," he said. "The tariffs might provide a basis for companies to raise prices in a world they've been very reluctant and unable to raise prices. ... We don't see it in the numbers [yet]."
The central banker spoke at a news conference after the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank's policymaking group, concluded its two-day meeting.
Powell took over the reins of the Fed earlier this year from Janet Yellen, who served from 2014 until February.
