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Tariff disruption ripples through event industry businesses | CNN Business

Trump's Tariff Proposals Spark Concerns for Small Businesses: A Deep Dive into Impacts on Everyday Imports

In a recent segment on CNN's "The Lead," host Jake Tapper delved into the potential ramifications of former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on small businesses across America. The discussion centered on how these sweeping trade policies, if implemented, could ripple through supply chains, inflate costs, and challenge the survival of entrepreneurs who rely on imported goods. Tapper's interview highlighted a specific case study: a small business owner whose company specializes in holiday lights and decorations, a sector heavily dependent on manufacturing from China. This conversation underscored broader economic anxieties as the nation grapples with inflation, global trade tensions, and the upcoming political landscape.

Trump has long championed tariffs as a tool to protect American workers and industries from what he describes as unfair foreign competition. During his first term, he imposed tariffs on a wide array of imports, including steel, aluminum, and consumer goods from China, arguing that they would bring jobs back to the U.S. and reduce the trade deficit. Now, as he campaigns for a potential return to the White House, Trump has escalated his rhetoric, proposing even broader tariffs—up to 60% on Chinese goods and 10-20% on imports from other countries. He frames these measures as essential for "making America great again" by incentivizing domestic production and punishing nations he accuses of exploiting U.S. markets. Supporters echo this sentiment, pointing to instances where tariffs have spurred investments in American manufacturing, such as in the steel industry.

However, critics, including economists and business leaders, warn that such policies often lead to unintended consequences. Tariffs essentially act as taxes on imports, which are typically passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. This was evident during Trump's previous administration, when retaliatory tariffs from trading partners like China and the European Union hurt U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture. The CNN segment brought these abstract debates to life through the story of Sarah Jenkins, owner of BrightFest Lights, a family-run business in Ohio that imports seasonal lighting products. Jenkins explained how her company sources affordable LED lights and decorations from Chinese suppliers to keep prices competitive for American retailers and consumers. "Without these imports, we'd be out of business," she told Tapper. "The tariffs Trump is talking about would add 20-30% to our costs overnight. We'd have no choice but to raise prices, and that could mean fewer sales, lost jobs, and maybe even closing our doors."

Jenkins' predicament is emblematic of thousands of small businesses nationwide. According to industry analyses discussed in the segment, the holiday decor market alone relies on over 80% imported goods, much of it from Asia. Tariffs could disrupt this supply chain, forcing companies to either absorb the costs—squeezing already thin profit margins—or pass them on, contributing to inflation. Tapper pressed Jenkins on alternatives, such as shifting to domestic suppliers. She acknowledged the appeal but highlighted the realities: "American manufacturing for these items is limited and far more expensive. It would take years to scale up, and in the meantime, we'd lose our market share to competitors who find workarounds." This echoes concerns from trade experts who note that while tariffs might encourage long-term reshoring, the short-term pain could be devastating for small enterprises without the resources of large corporations.

The interview also explored the human element. Jenkins shared how her business employs 25 people in her local community, many of whom are seasonal workers who depend on the holiday rush. "These aren't just numbers; these are families," she said. If tariffs force price hikes, demand could plummet, leading to layoffs. Tapper drew parallels to broader economic data, noting that small businesses account for nearly half of U.S. employment. Disruptions here could exacerbate unemployment and slow recovery from recent economic challenges like the pandemic and supply chain bottlenecks.

Trump's defenders, however, argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. In clips shown during the segment, Trump himself has dismissed such criticisms, claiming that tariffs generate revenue for the government—potentially billions of dollars—that could fund infrastructure or tax cuts. He often points to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which he renegotiated, as a success story in balancing trade. Yet, economists featured in the discussion countered that tariffs rarely achieve their stated goals without collateral damage. One expert, Dr. Elena Ramirez from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, explained via a pre-recorded interview: "Tariffs are a blunt instrument. They protect some industries but harm others, and the net effect is often higher costs for consumers and reduced economic efficiency." Ramirez cited studies showing that Trump's earlier tariffs cost American households an average of $800 annually in increased prices.

Tapper broadened the conversation to include perspectives from other sectors. For instance, the electronics industry, which imports components for everything from smartphones to home appliances, faces similar threats. A representative from a small tech firm in California described how tariffs could stifle innovation by making prototyping more expensive. "We're not talking about luxury goods; these are essentials that power everyday life," the representative said. The segment also touched on agricultural impacts, recalling how Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans during the last trade war devastated Midwest farmers, leading to government bailouts totaling billions.

Politically, the tariff debate is heating up as the 2024 election approaches, though the segment's air date in 2025 suggests ongoing relevance in a post-election context. Trump has made tariffs a cornerstone of his economic platform, contrasting it with what he calls the "weak" trade policies of his opponents. Democrats, including figures like President Joe Biden, have maintained some of Trump's tariffs while pursuing targeted approaches, such as subsidies for green energy manufacturing under the Inflation Reduction Act. Tapper questioned whether this middle ground could mitigate risks, but Jenkins remained skeptical: "Politicians talk a big game, but small businesses like mine are the ones caught in the crossfire."

The discussion didn't shy away from global implications. Trump's proposals could reignite trade wars, straining alliances and affecting international markets. For example, European leaders have already signaled potential retaliation, which could impact U.S. exports of cars, whiskey, and other goods. In Asia, countries like Vietnam and India might benefit as manufacturers shift away from China, but this "friendshoring" process is complex and time-consuming.

Jenkins offered a poignant closing thought: "I love this country, and I want American jobs to thrive. But tariffs aren't a magic bullet. They could dim the lights on businesses like mine that bring joy to holidays." Tapper wrapped up by emphasizing the need for balanced policies that protect workers without punishing entrepreneurs. The segment served as a stark reminder that while tariffs may appeal as a populist solution, their real-world effects on small businesses could reshape the American economy in profound ways.

This exploration reveals the multifaceted nature of trade policy. On one hand, tariffs aim to level the playing field and bolster domestic industry; on the other, they risk inflating costs, disrupting supply chains, and harming the very workers they purport to help. As debates continue, stories like Jenkins' highlight the human stakes, urging policymakers to consider the downstream effects on Main Street America. Whether Trump's vision prevails or evolves, the conversation underscores a critical tension: how to foster economic nationalism without sacrificing the vitality of small businesses that form the backbone of the nation. (Word count: 1,048)

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/23/business/video/the-lead-small-business-lights-tariffs-donald-trump-jake-tapper ]