Small businesses, which make up 98% of retailers and support more than 13 million American jobs, are particularly vulnerable. Owning a small business embodies the ideals of freedom and opportunity that are central to the American Dream. However, tariffs jeopardize the very foundation of these ideals.
Tariffs are taxes on U.S. importers, not foreign nations. U.S. job creators — including retailers, restaurants, manufacturers and other Main Street businesses — bear the burden of tariffs.
Higher prices for consumers. Small businesses cannot absorb these increased costs and are often forced to pass tariff increases on to their customers, resulting in higher prices.
Declining consumer confidence. Tariff uncertainty is causing consumer confidence to decline, meaning shoppers may cut back on spending at local retail establishments.
Inability to source domestically. Many small retailers strive to source from American manufacturers, but not all products are available domestically.
Possible closures. Small businesses often lack the margins to absorb increased costs from tariffs, which could lead to store closures.
Are you a small retailer eager to share your tariff impact story? Sign up to be a media spokesperson.
U.S. job creators — including retailers, restaurants, manufacturers and other Main Street businesses — bear the burden of tariffs. Small retailers share how these added costs are affecting them and their customers.
NRF’s video series, Tariffs Hurt Small Businesses, highlights the impact of tariff-focused trade policies on small retailers. This series amplifies their voices through the stories and insights of four small business owners from across the United States:
Dewar Gaines, Gaines Family Farms – Huntsville, AL
Ben Knepler, True Places – Wallingford, PA
Ross Harrow, The Flour Shop – Culver City, CA
Jared Hendricks, Village Lighting Company – West Valley, UT
Do you have a story on how tariffs are impacting your small business? Record a Tariff Impact Story.
Tariffs
Jul 18, 2025
The hidden costs of tariffs on small businesses
Business owners speak up about the negative impact of tariffs
Tariffs
Jun 25, 2025
Giving small retailers a voice in Washington, D.C.
Advocating against harmful tariffs through grassroots efforts, meetings with policymakers and media engagement
Tariffs
Jun 13, 2025
Small businesses fight to survive amidst tariff uncertainty
Rising costs threaten to disrupt operations and stifle innovation
Small Business
May 7, 2025
Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk
Most voters believe 2025 tariffs will negatively impact small businesses in their communities
Small Business
May 5, 2025
Uncertainty around tariffs tempers celebrations for National Small Business Week
Small businesses want to keep showing up and supporting their communities
Tariffs
Apr 29, 2025
Small retailers sound the alarm on broad-based tariffs
The American Dream is at stake for 98% of retailers and more than 13 million American jobs
Tariffs
Apr 14, 2025
Small businesses struggle in the wake of new tariffs
Mounting tariffs and policy uncertainty create significant challenges for small businesses and the economy
Tariffs
Apr 11, 2025
Sweeping global tariffs represent a new challenge for small retailers
New tariffs mean higher costs, slimmer margins and an uncertain future for U.S. small businesses
Tariffs
Mar 31, 2025
How voters really feel about the 2025 tariffs
They’re concerned about the impact on prices and small businesses.
Tariffs
Mar 5, 2025
5 things to know about tariffs
These ‘taxes on imports’ could increase consumer prices and uncertainty in the supply chain
July 17, 2025
Chicago backyard retail chain passing tariff costs to shoppers , CNN – The Lead
July 15, 2025
Bag designer says cost of making products in U.S. is too high, CNN – The Lead
'Uncertainty Reigns' at U.S. Ports as Retailers Navigate Tariff Turmoil, Supply Chain Brain
Tariffs causing stress on smaller retailers, LA business owner says , Daily Breeze
Port of Los Angeles saw its best June on record as importers rushed to beat tariff deadlines, ABC7
July 14, 2025
Small business owner: I’m going into personal debt over Trump’s tariffs, CNN – The Lead
Port of LA sees record freight in trade war whipsaw to beat tariffs, CNBC
New tariffs mean less selection, higher prices for holidays, Spectrum News 1
July 10, 2025
Tariffs price hikes are coming for back-to-school, holiday shopping, The Boston Globe
Bug spray brand founder on tariffs: ‘I have no control’, CNN, The Lead
Georgia companies back to grappling with trade war uncertainty, Atlanta Journal Constitution
July 8, 2025
American bow tie CEO on higher tariff costs: ‘The only winner is the government’ , Reason Magazine
Texas luggage shop owner says planning made tougher by tariffs , CNN, The Lead
July 7, 2025
July 4, 2025
Creator of ‘Randimals’ toys explains tariff shipping impacts , CNN, The Lead
June 11, 2025
