Small-business owners race to protect their companies from Trump’s proposed tariffs
Small businesses are already making moves to avoid expected cost increases — or weighing whether to take a financial hit or pass it on to customers.
President-elect Donald Trump is wasting little time affirming that tariffs will be a Day One priority. With his inauguration less than two months away, small businesses are already making moves to avoid expected cost increases — or weighing whether to take a financial hit or pass it on to customers.
On Monday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to implement 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada, plus an additional 10% tariff on goods from China.
He didn’t reiterate his calls on the stump for blanket tariffs on imports from practically everywhere, and some experts predict his proposed trade barriers would face legal challenges. But despite the uncertainty, small businesses that had eyed the plans nervously during the campaign say the clock is ticking to insulate themselves as best they can.
There’s a sense of urgency, and I’m very nervous.
Beatrice Barba, owner of Tabor Place, san francisco bay area
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