On Thursday, September 18, 2025, approximately 100 small business owners convened in Washington, D.C., to voice their opposition to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, highlighting the detrimental effects on their businesses.
Businessman Travis McMaster, general manager of Cocoon USA, shared his experience of relocating manufacturing from China to India to avoid US-China trade tensions, only to face even higher tariffs of 50 percent on Indian goods since August, surpassing the 30 percent tariffs on Chinese products.
The gathering took place outside the US Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear oral arguments on November 5 regarding the legality of Trump's global tariffs. Since January 2025, Trump has enacted sweeping 10-percent tariffs on most trading partners, with steeper rates on specific economies including the European Union and Vietnam.
Small businesses report difficulties adapting to the rapid changes in trade policy. McMaster emphasized the need for stability, stating, "We need to put a stop to these quick changes. Our business isn't run on a whim, and our country shouldn't (be) either."
In August, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a lower court ruling that Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency economic powers to impose broad tariffs. However, the court allowed the tariffs to remain until mid-October, enabling the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, small business owners are feeling the financial strain. Michael Buechli, a seller of Thai curries and sauces, said the tariffs have made continuing his business nearly impossible, leading him to halt new orders and fear closure if conditions persist.
Tiffany Williams, owner of a Texas luggage store, called for more predictable trade policies, expressing skepticism about the promised long-term benefits of the tariffs.
The legal battle over the tariffs represents a significant test of executive power in trade policy, with the Supreme Court's upcoming decision poised to have wide-reaching implications for US businesses and international trade relations.
