Several U.S. small business owners have expressed cautious optimism following a recent agreement between the United States and China to significantly reduce or temporarily suspend a majority of the tariffs on each other’s goods. While some business leaders have called the move a positive step, many also highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by remaining tariffs and broader trade policy uncertainties.
Kari Tribble, owner of Avari Beauty in Minnesota, shared that previous tariffs had added significant costs to imported goods, citing one example where a $300 package was subject to an additional $435 due to a 145% tariff. Tribble described the tariff reductions as a “step in the right direction” but remains concerned about continued volatility and cost pressures.
Under the recent agreement, both countries removed 91% of additional tariffs and suspended another 24% for a 90-day period, following high-level trade discussions in Switzerland.
Jamie Stegmaier, co-founder of Stonemaier Games in Missouri, echoed similar sentiments. While he welcomed the temporary relief—reducing tariffs from 145% to 30%—he noted ongoing issues such as rising freight shipping costs. “Tariffs act as a major cost burden for businesses importing products into the U.S.,” he said, adding that the policy environment has made long-term planning increasingly difficult.
Steve Greenspon, CEO of Honey-Can-Do International, also voiced concern. He acknowledged that while a 30% tariff is more manageable than 145%, it still adds substantial cost, especially when combined with earlier duties. Greenspon said the uncertainty in trade policy makes it difficult for companies to make forward-looking investments.
These views are reportedly shared by other small businesses. Recently, five U.S. companies petitioned a federal court to block the current tariff policy, arguing that it exceeded legal authority. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has called for reforms to the tariff exclusion process, recommending automatic exemptions for small importers and product-specific exclusions where domestic alternatives are unavailable.
The overall sentiment among small business stakeholders reflects cautious appreciation for the relief measures, coupled with concern over lingering duties and the unpredictability of trade policy developments.
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