US Small Business Owner Blames Tariffs for Lack of ‘Predictability for Our Customers’
Across the United States, small business owners are grappling with the financial and operational challenges posed by tariffs, which many say have disrupted pricing stability and strained customer relationships. For companies that rely on imported materials or global supply chains, shifting trade policies have made long-term planning nearly impossible, according to industry stakeholders.
The Impact of Tariffs on Pricing and Supply Chains
Jane Martinez, owner of a Chicago-based furniture manufacturing company, recently shared her frustrations with the current tariff environment. “When tariffs on imported steel and aluminum were reintroduced last year, our material costs surged overnight,” she explained. “But the bigger issue is the unpredictability. We can’t give our customers reliable quotes because we don’t know what our expenses will look like six months from now.”
Martinez’s company sources specialized metal components from overseas suppliers, many of which are subject to fluctuating tariffs. These costs, combined with inflation and logistical delays, have forced her to revise pricing multiple times in the past year. “Customers get frustrated when prices keep changing,” she said. “They want consistency, especially for large orders.”
Supply Chain Disruptions and Sourcing Challenges
Tariffs have also complicated efforts to pivot to alternative suppliers. “We explored sourcing materials domestically, but capacity is limited, and costs are even higher,” Martinez noted. Other businesses report similar struggles, particularly those dependent on electronics, textiles, or agricultural goods affected by retaliatory tariffs from trading partners.
- Delayed Deliveries: Some businesses face longer lead times as they navigate new suppliers or shipping routes.
- Contract Uncertainty: Fixed-price agreements with clients are increasingly risky amid volatile costs.
- Inventory Management: Stockpiling materials to avoid tariff spikes ties up capital and storage space.
Customer Relationships Under Pressure
The lack of predictability has eroded trust with long-term clients, according to Martinez. “We’ve had to renegotiate contracts mid-project, which damages our reputation,” she said. Small businesses, which often lack the bargaining power of larger corporations, are disproportionately affected. “Big companies can absorb these costs or shift production overseas. We don’t have that flexibility.”
Calls for Policy Clarity
Martinez is among a growing number of small business advocates urging policymakers to prioritize stability in trade agreements. “Tariffs shouldn’t be a political bargaining chip,” she argued. “We need a clear strategy that balances fair trade with the realities of running a business.” Groups like the National Small Business Association have called for exemptions for critical materials and advance notice of tariff changes to help companies adapt.
As debates over trade policy continue, small businesses remain caught in the crossfire. For owners like Martinez, the stakes are existential. “Without predictability, we can’t grow—or even survive,” she said. “Our customers deserve better.”
