Small businesses across the U.S. are being hit hard by the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, with many fighting to stay alive. Owners are cutting staff, stopping orders, and burning through funds as they scramble to adapt to rising costs, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday after speaking to several business owners.
The pain is widespread. A tent maker in Colorado is cutting off workers and seeking partners after pausing orders for Chinese fabric. A card game owner has emptied funds to pay for a costly holiday package. A Colorado jewelry company was stunned by a $14,000 tax bill and is now rethinking a new office lease.
Unlike big firms, small businesses have little freedom to change supply lines. Many work with just one or two providers and lack the margins to handle huge price hikes.
Industry supporters are asking for help. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged automatic duty exemptions for small buyers, while others want the SBA to help firms find U.S. sources. So far, government funding has been limited.
President Trump has dismissed worries, saying businesses will thrive if they build goods locally. But owners say local manufacturing isn’t always available—or cheap. For some, the choice is now between paying steep taxes or running out of goods totally.
