Small business owners in the USA criticize Trump's tariffs as a legal dispute unfolds
Small business owners from across the United States have gathered in Washington to voice their concerns about the impact of former President Donald Trump's tariffs on their livelihoods. The gathering took place outside the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the legality of Trump's global duties on November 5, 2025.
Among the business owners present was Tiffany Williams, a luggage store owner from Texas. Williams shared her experiences, detailing how the tariffs have led to increased prices for her customers and caused financial strain. She expressed concerns about customers' willingness to accept higher retail costs, adding uncertainty to her business prospects.
Williams revealed that 17 of the top 20 brands in her store have experienced price increases, accounting for much of her business. Tariffs on imports from Thailand, in particular, have significantly impacted her business, making it nearly impossible to continue as they consume her profit margins.
Michael Buechi, another small business owner, shared similar sentiments. He has stopped ordering new products from Thailand due to the tariffs. Buechi, who is based in Washington state, expressed his concern about the quick changes in tariff policies, stating that businesses and countries should not be run on a whim.
McMaster, the general manager of travel goods brand Cocoon USA, echoed these sentiments. He stated that he outsmarted himself this time, referring to the unpredictability of Trump's tariff policies.
The tariffs have faced legal challenges, with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirming a lower court's finding in August that Trump had exceeded his authority in tapping emergency economic powers to impose sweeping duties on goods from various countries.
Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has imposed sweeping duties on almost all trading partners, alongside steeper levels on dozens of economies like the European Union and Vietnam. US tariffs of 50 percent have been imposed on many Indian products since August, exceeding the additional 30-percent level on Chinese goods this year.
The judge presiding over the November 5, 2025, oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court is Chief Justice John Roberts, along with the other Supreme Court justices who make up the nine-member bench.
Many small US firms have struggled to keep up with the president's fast-changing tariff policies. Tiffany Williams, for one, is uncertain about the long-term benefits of weathering the short-term pain caused by the tariffs.
Trump has also imposed separate duties on sector-specific imports like steel and aluminum. The business owners gathered in Washington are hoping for more predictability in trade policy to help them navigate this challenging economic landscape.
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