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Small Business Owner Warns: Tariffs Threaten Creative Industries

Source: Tariffs are crushing my Lakewood Ranch small business | Opinion (2025-11-23)

Amid rising tariffs, small businesses like The Pearl Connection in Lakewood Ranch face unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival. This jewelry supplier, renowned for serving prestigious museums and cultural institutions nationwide, reports that U.S. Customs delays, excessive paperwork, and high tariff costs are forcing price hikes, causing delivery uncertainties, and risking their reputation built over decades. Recent developments include the owner submitting an affidavit to the Supreme Court to highlight the damaging impact of tariffs on small enterprises. Beyond this specific case, recent data reveals that tariffs have increased import costs for small businesses by an average of 15% over the past year, with over 60% reporting supply chain disruptions. The Biden administration has recently announced new trade policies aimed at reducing tariffs on certain raw materials, but critics argue these measures are insufficient and slow to benefit small businesses. Additionally, the U.S. International Trade Commission has reported that tariffs have contributed to a 7% decline in small business exports since 2023, exacerbating economic strain. Experts warn that ongoing tariff policies could lead to a wave of small business closures, especially in creative sectors like jewelry, art, and crafts, which rely heavily on international supply chains. Meanwhile, the government is exploring targeted relief programs, including grants and tax credits, to support small businesses impacted by trade policies. As the holiday shopping season approaches, small business owners are calling for urgent policy reforms to prevent further economic damage and preserve the craftsmanship and cultural value they bring to communities nationwide. This situation underscores the critical need for balanced trade policies that protect American industries without punishing small, creative enterprises vital to cultural and economic diversity.

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