Small business owners from across the United States convened in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, September 18, 2025, to express their concerns about the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. These tariffs, which have been applied to a wide range of imported goods from various countries, have significantly affected the cost structures and profitability of many small enterprises.
Travis McMaster, general manager of Cocoon USA, a travel goods company, shared his experience of shifting manufacturing from China to India to avoid escalating trade tensions. However, he found that tariffs on Indian products, which reached 50 percent in August 2025, were even higher than those on Chinese goods, which stood at 30 percent. McMaster stated, "But I kind of outsmarted myself this time," highlighting the unintended consequences of the tariff policies.
The tariffs in question were imposed under emergency economic powers by the Trump administration and have faced legal scrutiny. In August 2025, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a lower court's ruling that President Trump exceeded his authority in imposing these sweeping duties. Despite this, the court allowed the tariffs to remain in effect until mid-October, pending a Supreme Court review scheduled for November 5, 2025.
Small business owners at the Washington gathering emphasized the unpredictability and rapid changes in trade policy, which they say disrupt their planning and operations. Michael Buechli, a seller of Thai curries and sauces, reported that the tariffs have eroded his profit margins to the point where continuing his business is nearly impossible. Tiffany Williams, a Texas-based luggage store owner, called for more stable and predictable trade policies, expressing skepticism about the promised long-term benefits of the tariffs.
The legal battle and the ongoing tariffs have created a challenging environment for small businesses that rely on imported goods. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining the future of these tariffs and their impact on American businesses.
Sources: Citizen Tribune (https://www.citizentribune.com/news/national/us-small-businesses-slam-trump-tariffs-as-legal-fight-proceeds/article_03ed6888-2874-592a-82c2-7797ebb43cbd.html), Shelby News (https://www.shelbynews.com/news/national/us-small-businesses-slam-trump-tariffs-as-legal-fight-proceeds/article_d1a962c3-c58c-5228-9b42-19b97436446e.html)
