Small businesses across the U.S. are raising red flags as tariff policies threaten their survival, with some warning of bankruptcy amid rising costs and shrinking profits. At a Senate hearing this week, Julie Robbins, CEO of EarthQuaker Devices, painted a stark picture: "We’re already in a liquidity crisis. If this continues, bankruptcy is real." 🌪️
Export Woes Hit Main Street
Robbins revealed that 30-40% of her company’s revenue comes from exports to markets like Europe and Japan—sales now collapsing due to tariffs and global market volatility. "Anti-American sentiment is rising," she added, urging policymakers to repeal the measures.
Walmart Warns: Prices Will Rise 🛒💸
Retail giant Walmart joined the chorus, reporting mixed earnings and signaling higher consumer prices ahead. Despite beating profit forecasts, CEO Doug McMillon warned tariffs are "still too high" to absorb without passing costs to shoppers. CFO John David Rainey echoed concerns, calling the situation "unprecedented" and predicting price hikes by June.
Analysts say Walmart’s move could greenlight price increases industry-wide. "If even Walmart can’t hold the line, others will follow," said GlobalData’s Neil Saunders.
As small businesses fight to stay afloat and households brace for sticker shock, the tariff debate is heating up—and Main Street is paying the price. 🔥
