Small Business Guide To Navigating Current Tariff Policies
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that U.S. businesses pay directly to customs authorities when products enter the country—not fees paid by foreign suppliers or exporting nations. For small businesses that import materials, components, or finished products, these duties create immediate cost increases that strain cash flow, squeeze profit margins, and force difficult decisions about pricing and sourcing. This guide breaks down how tariffs work, which product categories face the highest rates, how to calculate your actual exposure, and practical strategies to reduce tariff impact while maintaining compliance and profitability.