Today we’re looking at how small business owners are coping with tariffs on Chinese imports. After cuts from 145 to 30 percent, costs remain crippling, and tariffs could rise again in 90 days.

Footwear maker Highline United will export only its priciest shoes — “the consumer with lower discretionary income is the one that’s going to be impacted the most,” says CEO Marina Rosin Levine. Children’s rain boot designer Cheyenne Smith admits “the word ‘temporary’ scares me” as she weighs closing her warehouse and laying off staff. Sensory toy maker Luis Prior put new products on pause, warning, “It’s still a very unstable and unnerving situation.” And Portland retailer Mike Roach hopes to split costs between his shop, his vendor and the manufacturer, noting “there’s no mitigation you can do at 145 percent.”

Small businesses are finding creative solutions, but uncertainty remains. Only time will tell what comes next when the 90-day pause ends.
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