Why tariff uncertainty hits small businesses especially hard
Briefly

As of 2023, over 97% of U.S. companies importing goods are small businesses. Tariff uncertainty causes significant stress, with more than 70% of owners reporting that trade policy changes create a 'whiplash effect,' complicating planning. Unlike larger firms with dedicated analysts, small-business owners often lack support, making them more vulnerable to rapid policy shifts. This distraction impacts their ability to focus on daily operations, as time spent managing tariff issues detracts from core business functions. The unpredictability of trade policies exacerbates these challenges, hampering growth prospects for small businesses.
More than 70% of small-business owners say constant shifts in trade policy create a 'whiplash effect' that makes it difficult to plan.
Tariff uncertainty is stressing their time, resources, and attention, making it challenging for small businesses to focus on core operations.
Unlike larger organizations with teams of analysts, small-business owners are often on their own when navigating trade policy changes.
Rapid trade policy shifts leave small businesses at a disadvantage, as every hour spent on policy news detracts from daily operations.
Read at Fast Company
[
|
]