The ongoing volatility of tariff rates under the Trump administration continues to impact small businesses, as highlighted by several key figures and business owners. Ranking Members Markey and Wyden have expressed concern over the uncertainty these tariffs bring to small enterprises.
"The Trump administration keeps shifting the goalposts while small businesses suffer," said Ranking Member Markey. He emphasized that these policies create chaos, forcing businesses to pass costs onto customers or make difficult decisions like layoffs. Markey advocates for his Small Business Liberation Act, which aims to provide relief from these tariffs.
Ranking Member Wyden echoed similar sentiments: "Oregonians are petrified about what Trump’s tariffs mean for themselves, their employees, and their communities." He pointed out that small businesses cannot afford the additional costs imposed by these tariffs.
Business owners shared firsthand experiences of the challenges posed by tariff unpredictability. Legrand Lindor of LMI Textiles reported unexpected back-dated tariffs costing $5,000 on a single shipment. Shaundell Newsome described the situation as "tariff whiplash," making it difficult for entrepreneurs to plan effectively.
Gabe Hagen of Brick Road Community Corporation discussed how reliance on imports complicates operations amid fluctuating tariffs. Similarly, Carrin Harris from Blitz Proto noted delays in critical projects due to supplier issues linked to tariff changes.
Gladys Harrison of Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering mentioned scaling down expansion plans due to rising costs from unpredictable tariff policies.
Markey has been actively advocating for small businesses against these tariffs. On June 27, he wrote letters urging top officials like SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to protect small enterprises from economic burdens caused by current tariff policies.
His proposed Small Business Liberation Act seeks exemption for small businesses from global tariffs declared under national emergency conditions in April 2025 but faced opposition in May when Republicans blocked it on the Senate floor.
In collaboration with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other committee members, Markey has urged immediate action from Administrator Loeffler regarding Trump's tariff impacts on smaller companies.
