The Trump Administration’s unpredictable tariff policies have put many small-business owners in a tough spot, causing them to struggle with supply chain disruptions and price increases.
Ninety percent of U.S. firms that import from China are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees, making it challenging for them to adapt to these changes.
Small-business owners like Hugo Ramirez are struggling to plan for the future due to the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies, leading them to focus on survival rather than growth.
Many business owners are exploring new revenue streams and adjusting their business models to offset the impact of tariffs and rising prices.
Some are also searching for alternative suppliers to avoid the rising costs of overseas imports, while others are downsizing staff to cope with reduced sales revenues.
The uncertainty around tariffs has caused small-business owners to pause expansion plans and delay new investments, as they struggle to navigate the economic challenges.
Alexander of Coyote and Crow Games currently has five active projects in development, but says he can’t move forward with anything new due to rising costs and uncertainty. One of the projects he’s shelved is a game featuring traditional beading crafts — which Alexander says can only be sourced in China.
“At this point, it’s not even a question of growth but of survival,” he told BW. “Development costs money, he said, “so nothing new is happening right now.”
Tariff resources for small-business owners
We’ve created several resources to help small-business owners navigate the current uncertainty and make informed financial decisions.