--- title: "Tariffs, Trade Tension & SMBs: What You Need to Know Now" description: Learn how SMBs can navigate new tariffs and trade tensions by adjusting sourcing, inventory, pricing, and customer communication to protect margins and cash flow. image: https://tentho.com/hubfs/Artboard%201%20copy%208_2150dpi-2.png --- [![Tentho | Small Business Accounting Services](https://tentho.com/hubfs/Artboard%202@3x.png)](https://tentho.com) - SERVICES ## SERVICES Unlock Your Business Potential with Tentho's Services ### [Accounting / Bookkeeping Streamline your finances effortlessly with our meticulous accounting and bookkeeping solutions.](https://tentho.com/accounting-services) ### [CFO and Advisory Services Empower your business decisions with our expert financial guidance and strategic advisory services.](https://tentho.com/fractional-cfo) ### [Tax Services Maximize your savings and stay compliant with our personalized tax planning and preparation services.](https://tentho.com/business-tax-services) ### [Payroll Administration Simplify your payroll process and ensure accurate, on-time payments with our efficient payroll management solutions."](https://tentho.com/payroll-processing-services) - [INDUSTRIES +](https://tentho.com/industries) ## [INDUSTRIES +  Tailored Solutions for Every Industry and Business Segment.  ](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [E-commerce](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Legal Services](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Hospitality and Tourism](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Food and Beverage](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Recruiting and Staffing](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Property Management](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Healthcare Service](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Non-Profit Organizations](https://tentho.com/non-profits) ### [LGBTQ-Owned Businesses](https://tentho.com/industries) ### [Women-Owned Businesses](https://tentho.com/women-owned-business) ### [Startup Business](https://tentho.com/funded-startups) - [PRICING](https://tentho.com/pricing) - RESOURCES ## RESOURCES Empower Your Business with Tentho's Valuable Resources. ### [Blog Stay informed and inspired with our insightful blog articles covering a wide range of topics relevant to small business owners.](https://tentho.com/blog) ### Events Discover upcoming events, webinars, and workshops designed to enhance your knowledge and connect you with industry experts. 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[Giuseppe Garcia-Salamone](https://tentho.com/blog/author/giuseppe-garcia-salamone) Apr 10, 2025 --- If you run a product-based business, you’ve likely felt it: the pinch of rising costs, longer lead times, and cash flow strain. Now, there’s more pressure on the horizon — tied to a major policy shift that’s still reshaping global trade. Last week, the Trump Administration introduced sweeping tariffs, including: - A **10% baseline tariff** on nearly *all imported products* from every country, with very few exceptions - **Additional “custom” tariffs** targeting goods from countries with larger trade deficits with the U.S. These tariffs haven't gone away — and they’re not expected to anytime soon. With global tensions persisting and trade enforcement tightening, elevated import costs are the new normal. Let’s break down what this means for your business, who’s feeling the most pain, and what you can do about it — starting today. ### **Who's Feeling It the Most?** Tariffs impact many industries, but they hit certain SMBs especially hard. If you're in one of these groups, it's time to take a closer look at your exposure: - **Ecommerce brands** sourcing from Asia, Europe, Africa, or South America - **Retailers** with international supplier networks - **Manufacturers** importing machinery, parts, or packaging - **Wholesalers** relying on overseas product lines If you’re seeing margin erosion, cash flow hiccups, or delayed inventory — tariffs are almost certainly a factor. ### **5 Ways to Reduce Your Tariff Exposure** While you can’t make tariffs disappear, you *can* take steps to reduce their impact and regain control over your operations and cash flow. 1. **Analyze Your Exposure** Start by identifying exactly where you're vulnerable. - **Map your supply chain**: Which products and suppliers are most affected? - **Factor in hidden costs**: Tariffs can hit not just finished goods, but also **components, packaging, and freight**. - **Stay informed**: Policy shifts happen quickly. Make tariff tracking part of your regular financial review. 1. **Re-Negotiate with Overseas Suppliers** Your suppliers are aware of the tariff landscape — and they may be open to helping you manage the impact. - **Use your data**: Share the real costs you’re absorbing to make your case. - **Ask for flexibility**: Push for **better payment terms**, **price adjustments**, or **different shipping strategies**. - **Explore alternative countries**: Shifting sourcing to countries with more favorable trade terms (like Mexico or Vietnam) may offer relief. 1. **Restructure Your Inventory Strategy** If lead times are stretching and costs are climbing, consider a new inventory approach: - **Switch from just-in-time to just-in-case** for key SKUs - **Stock strategically**: Focus on high-demand items that are costly or slow to replenish - **Tie inventory to cash flow forecasts** so you don’t overextend your working capital 1. **Rework Your Pricing Model** Many SMBs hesitate to raise prices, but waiting too long can put your margins at risk. - **Experiment with smart price adjustments**: Consider **tiered pricing**, **bundles**, or **value-based increases** - **Track profitability by SKU**: Know where you're gaining or losing money post-tariff - **Keep customers in mind**: Balance affordability with sustainability 1. **Communicate with Your Customers** In times of economic uncertainty, **transparency builds trust**. - Be honest about the reasons for price changes — customers are more understanding than you might think - Frame your updates around **continuity and quality**: You're working hard to maintain both - Strong relationships can help you weather short-term volatility ### **Final Word: Navigate, Don’t Panic** Trade volatility is the new normal — and tariffs are a long-term fixture of that environment. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. By analyzing your cost structures, adjusting sourcing and inventory, and keeping your pricing and customers aligned, **you can stay agile and protect your bottom line**. We’re here to help with: - Landed cost analysis - Margin and pricing strategy - Supplier planning - Cash flow forecasting - Tax planning (including tariff-related incentives and credits) **Need Help Thinking Through Your Tariff Strategy?** Let’s talk. We’ll walk through your numbers, your suppliers, and your options — so you can make confident, strategic decisions in a world full of uncertainty.   [In The News](https://tentho.com/blog/tag/in-the-news) [Small Business Tips and Advice](https://tentho.com/blog/tag/small-business-tips-and-advice) {% module "blog\_post\_audio" path="@hubspot/blog\_audio", overrideable=False %} Unlock your potential and navigate the complexities of your industry with Tentho as your guide! We're passionate about providing insights and inspiration to fuel your journey. While this post is crafted to enlighten and empower, it's important to complement this knowledge with tailored advice. We encourage you to consult with your own legal, business, or tax professional to address your unique needs and circumstances.   At Tentho, we're committed to your success and stand ready to assist you in understanding the broader landscape. However, please note that Tentho does not accept liability for any actions taken based on this post. Your informed decisions, guided by personal consultation with experts, are crucial to your achievements. [Let's collaborate](https://tentho.com/contact-us) to make informed decisions that propel you forward, ensuring that your triumphs are as personal and impactful as your aspirations     ## **Similar posts** Accounting & Bookkeeping ### [New Year, New Goals: Using Your Financial Statements to Plan for Growth](https://tentho.com/blog/new-year-new-goals-using-your-financial-statements-to-plan-for-growth) Setting realistic, achievable goals as a small business owner. Learn how to use your balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow report to chart a... Jalak Patel Dec 20, 2024 Entrepreneurship and Leadership ### [How Investing in Financial Literacy Today Leads to a More Profitable Tomorrow](https://tentho.com/blog/investing-in-financial-literacy-today-for-a-more-profitable-tomorrow-how-we-help-entrepreneurs-understand-their-finances-and-make-business-decisions) Learn how investing in financial literacy and working with a CFO can help business owners make smarter decisions, track performance, and achieve... Jalak Patel Apr 10, 2025 Financial Planning and Management ### [Profitability First: How to Ensure Your Business Can Scale Without Breaking the Bank](https://tentho.com/blog/profitability-first-how-to-ensure-your-business-can-scale-without-breaking-the-bank) Learn how to scale your business sustainably by prioritizing profitability, analyzing expenses, optimizing margins, leveraging automation, and... 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