While the U.S. and China hit pause on new tariffs for 90 days, American small businesses say the trade war’s ripple effects are far from over. From Miami to Minneapolis, entrepreneurs report lingering supply chain headaches and pricing pressures—despite official claims that consumers won’t feel the pinch.
🔍 Take Maria Lopez, owner of a Miami-based electronics repair shop. She told reporters her costs for imported components from the Chinese mainland have spiked 25% since summer. "Even if tariffs stop now, suppliers are nervous," she said. "They’re charging more 'just in case'—and I can’t afford to eat those costs."
📊 Analysts warn the truce doesn’t undo existing tariffs, which still apply to $360 billion worth of Chinese goods. For small firms without big bargaining power, renegotiating contracts or switching suppliers isn’t as easy as a TikTok trend. Many face a lose-lose choice: raise prices or shrink profit margins.
💡 The uncertainty comes as U.S. business groups urge both sides to resolve disputes ahead of the 2024 election cycle. But for now, entrepreneurs like Lopez are stuck in limbo: "We survived COVID, but this? It’s like playing Jenga with the economy."
