Small business owners brace for Trump’s proposed tariffs
Associated PressSmall businesses are bracing for stiff tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed as one of his first actions when he takes office. Small business owners say they’re waiting to see what final form the tariffs take, but are bracing for higher costs that they may in turn need to pass on to consumers. Laurel Orley, cofounder and CEO of Nashville-based sprouted nut snack company Daily Crunch, said at first she didn’t think the tariffs would affect her business, because she doesn’t import very much. “And now I don’t know if we can save any money on the bags when the tariffs go into effect.” Warehouse prices are going up because of the expected tariffs, too, Orley said. “As many other companies are buying bulk inventory overseas to get ahead of tariffs, warehouse availability is becoming limited, which will increase costs for everyone,” she said.