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.
Hear how mounting tariffs and policy uncertainty create significant challenges for small businesses and the economy.
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
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
Mar 31, 2025
How voters really feel about the 2025 tariffs
They’re concerned about the impact on prices and small businesses.
Mar 5, 2025
5 things to know about tariffs
These ‘taxes on imports’ could increase consumer prices and uncertainty in the supply chain
Dec 3, 2024
Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs
Worries include increased costs, procurement challenges and store closures
April 17, 2025
Trump's tariffs raise concerns for LA's family-owned businesses , Fox Los Angeles
Small Business Owners Ask for Tariff Relief , Bloomberg
April 15, 2025
April 14, 2025
Small business in the U.S. feel impacts of Trump’s China tariffs, CNN
Chaos, confusion, reversals: The story of Trump's second term so far, NBC News