How Will Trump’s Tariffs Impact Small Businesses?

The White House announced Friday that President Trump will impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, starting on Saturday, Feb. 1. Many economists believe that these tariffs could lead to an increase in prices, which means small businesses may have to pay more for goods and services.

A tariff is a tax levied on imported goods when they enter the country. When the U.S. government imposes tariffs, they’re paid by the domestic companies that import the affected goods or materials. To cover the higher import costs, domestic companies typically raise prices — which then impacts the consumer.

In President Trump’s first term, he levied several rounds of tariffs on steel, aluminum, washing machines, solar panels and goods from China. President Biden kept the majority of these in place. Although economists have said these tariffs only had a modest impact on the economy (mostly in those specific affected industries), many are concerned that these new larger tariffs could have further-reaching effects.

Here’s what small business owners need to know.

Tariffs can make it more expensive for small businesses to purchase imported goods and materials. These increased costs can strain cash flow and lead to a decrease in profit margins.

To cover the higher cost of goods, small businesses may need to increase their prices. This can impact customer loyalty and relationships — as customers may turn to larger companies or competitors that offer lower prices.

Tariffs can disrupt the global supply chain, making it more difficult for small businesses or their suppliers to get the goods they need. As a result, you may not be able to fill customer orders, which can lead to a loss of revenue and customer trust.

When the U.S. imposes tariffs on other countries, those countries often respond by enacting their own tariffs on U.S. exports. After tariffs were imposed in 2018 and 2019, for example, countries like Canada, Mexico, China, India and Russia imposed counter tariffs on incoming U.S. products. The higher cost of U.S. exports can discourage suppliers and consumers from purchasing from U.S. companies.

Here are actions that small businesses can take to try to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs on their operations:

• Communicate with your customers. If you have to raise prices to combat the higher cost of goods, be upfront with your customers and explain why the change is occurring. You can emphasize the quality, uniqueness or other differentiating features of your products to help justify increasing prices and thank customers for their loyalty.

• Reevaluate your supply chain. If possible, determine if you can purchase your goods or materials from other suppliers. Look for suppliers in countries that aren’t receiving tariffs — or see if you can work with a local goods provider. If you can’t diversify your supply chain, try to negotiate with your suppliers on prices or contracts. They may be able to offer you a discount for ordering a certain number of products, for example.

• Streamline operations. Review your current operations and identify any areas where efficiency can be improved. Look for opportunities to streamline processes and cut costs. Saving on overhead costs may lessen the impact of increased prices on goods and services.

• Seek professional assistance. Financial advisors or accountants can help you create a personalized plan to combat potential tariff effects. Business mentors from an organization like SCORE or your local Small Business Development Center can also offer free or low-cost advice.

• Consider taking out a business line of credit. A business line of credit can serve as an emergency fund — allowing you to draw funds as needed and only pay interest on the money you borrow. If you experience cash flow interruptions or an increase in costs as a result of tariffs, a business line of credit can be a helpful tool. Plus, with the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, rates may be lower than they have been previously.