Small business owners across the U.S. are grappling with a new level of uncertainty thanks to intermittent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. These measures have rattled long-standing supply chains and left many importers scrambling to keep operations afloat.
For companies that rely on overseas suppliers for essential components and inventory, unpredictability is becoming the new norm. Costs can spike overnight, squeezing profit margins as businesses either absorb extra fees or pass them on to customers.
One Los Angeles\u0013based importer of specialty goods shares: "We just received a notification that our latest shipment will face an additional 10% duty. It’s a game-changer\u0014our pricing model can’t handle these swings."
When small businesses pause orders or seek alternative suppliers, these disruptions can ripple across local and global markets, affecting jobs and consumer choices. Planning for a future where trade policy shifts on short notice is now part of daily operations.
As the conversation around tariffs continues in Washington, entrepreneurs are calling for more stable and transparent trade policies. Until clearer signals emerge, small businesses will rely on their resilience and creativity to navigate the trade turbulence.
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Small businesses face rising uncertainty over tariff turmoil
cgtn.com
