As tariff talks continue between nations, it is small businesses that are starting to feel the pinch.
Not only do businesses get inventory from China specifically, but even when purchasing from an American label, oftentimes their manufacturing is overseas making it virtually impossible to completely avoid the tariffs in the supply chain.
Susan Henley, owner of Elevated Cake Boutique in Algiers says things have been a bit confusing as distributors say one thing, but when her goods arrive at U.S. ports it is most times a different story.
"The Chinese distributor says that the way they shipped my items should save me from the 145% tariff, but I really won't know until it arrives."
Three of the nations top retailers, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot had their CEOs meet with President Trump to voice concerns about supply disruptions should there be no resolve to the tariff situation soon.
Henley says that small businesses are already fighting an uphill battle against big box and online retailers though.
"They get a lower price per product than we do and they don't have to pay on the front end."
She says she faces the tough choice of how much of the costs gets passed on to her customers.
"We already were looking at a twenty-five to fifty cent price hike, but if that shipment gets hit with the tariff, my prices will have to double."
Henley says the balance between her business, the choices she has to face, and life in general can be a lot to handle.
"It's stressful. It's the not knowing and dealing with everyday life."
