US EditionTrump Tariffs Cool Small Business Dealmaking, Particularly In Manufacturing
UNITED STATES, JUL 23 – Tariffs imposed since April 2025 caused a 28% drop in manufacturing business transactions and stricter Small Business Administration loan rules, increasing costs and limiting financing options.
- This past quarter, manufacturing businesses saw a 28% decline in transaction volume and a 7% drop in median sale price.
- In response to trade uncertainties, financing hurdles increased, and earlier this month the Small Business Administration enacted tighter loan guidelines.
- Trade-Policy whiplash hampers planning for many owners, with over 70% of small business owners unable to plan effectively, a survey found.
- According to BizBuySell, transactions declined about 4% compared to the same period last year, and businesses remained listed about 12 days longer this past quarter.
- Future projections suggest added pressures for small businesses, with the U.S. administration threatening new targeted tariffs on chips, drugs, and copper for early August, and the Fed’s July Beige Book warns of rising consumer costs later this fall.
12 Articles
12 Articles
'It's hurting us': Small businesses feel the pinch of tariffs
Legrand Lindor is the owner of LMI Textiles, a small Boston-based business that primarily distributes medical supplies. His company supplies harm reduction items, personal protective equipment as well as janitorial supplies to private and public health systems and nonprofits nationwide.Lindor knew tariffs were coming, but when a $5,000 import tax bill came on aluminum components from a French supplier, he was shocked."It just made my stomach sin…
Detroit small businesses being impacted by tariffs
A group of small business owners are speaking out over growing concerns about what is being called a crisis that is hurting the bottom line of many. Business owners gathered on Wednesday to express concerns over tariffs put on by the Trump Administration.
After delays and tariffs, Busy Baby's shipment has finally arrived
ZUMBROTA, Minn. — A group of friends, family and employees cheered as the last of 1,000 boxes were unloaded at the Busy Baby warehouse Tuesday. Unexpected tariffs delayed the shipment from China for about two months and added $35,000 to shipping costs. Since April, Busy Baby founder and co-owner Beth Benike has been struggling to get this shipment of 35,000 of her silicone baby placemats and accessories to the United States. That was when Presid…
Talk of tariffs hangs over summer edition of Atlanta Market
ATLANTA — It wasn’t all about tariffs at the recent edition of Atlanta Market, but it was pretty close. As vendors and retailers gathered recently at AmericasMart for the summer show, they did so under the pall of the ongoing struggle of trying to run their businesses under the constantly changing situation with tariffs on the goods they make and sell. Tariff talk dominated most conversations for market goers at a show that is historically slowe…
Companies Can Stay Resilient Amid Tariffs and Cash Constraints - Small Business Currents
With new tariff policies dominating headlines, proactively managing risk is essential. The Fed’s July Beige Book underscores increasing concerns about the costs of imported goods, especially raw materials, which are forecasted to begin impacting consumers later this fall. The U.S. administration is threatening to impose new targeted tariffs on chips, drugs, and copper, planned for early August. Businesses must stay ahead of turbulence by monitor…
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