A new 90-day trade deal with China has lowered tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, bringing relief to some small business owners. However, the short window of time and uncertainty about future tariffs have caused many to pause expansion plans and feel like they’re “gambling” with their businesses.
Connor Alexander, a board game publisher in Seattle, Washington, is one such business owner. He had already sunk years and money into two projects that he greenlit when the trade deal went into effect. However, he’s now unsure if he’ll be able to take advantage of the new rates, which are significantly higher than before the trade war began.
Haley Pavone, the founder and CEO of Pashion Footwear, is another business owner who feels the 90-day reprieve isn’t enough time to make any changes. She hasn’t placed her holiday order yet, despite having summer shoes that arrived on schedule.
The uncertainty has also caused Hugo Ramirez to pause expansion plans for his ice cream shop. He had been buying nonperishables from China before the tariffs were lifted, but switching to US manufacturers proved more expensive and less customized.
Jessica Kim, owner of Mycha LA and Chicago, a vending machine company that sources products from China, is trying to time her orders carefully. She approved a delayed shipment of 10 machines due to the 145% tariffs in place at the time, but now feels like she’s “gambling” with her business.
The trade deal has brought some relief, but many small business owners are still uncertain about the future. As one business owner noted, “It’s anyone’s guess” how long the current tariffs will remain at 30%. Until then, businesses feel like they’re playing a guessing game, making it difficult to plan confidently for the future.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-90-day-tariff-deal-china-leaves-small-businesses-struggling-2025-5