The Trump administration’s across-the-board tariffs raise prices for consumers, increase costs for businesses, and force small businesses to make difficult choices about their future.
Since April, the administration has imposed tariffs of 10% to 50% on nearly all imports, and even higher tariffs on dozens of countries and industries. The average tariff rate now exceeds 17.9%, the highest level since 1934.
Tariffs Cost US Group announced it will run college football ads highlighting small business owners across Florida and how tariffs are driving up costs, narrowing profits and threatening their ability to survive.
“This ad provides the public with reliable and comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs and their impact on both businesses and consumers.
Some business owners featured in Ad Talk, like Tampa summerhouse owner Ginger Alemaguides, say tariffs on imported goods have posed challenges, driving up prices and making it take six to eight weeks to ship items.
Restaurants import ingredients from countries such as China.
John Wong, a business importer in Florida, said the product he bought last year cost $2.75. Now it’s up to $3.95. “This shipment just arrived yesterday. The price is $5. We can’t keep up. Every time a shipment arrives, we have to set a new price,” Wong said.
Fiber artist and educator Suzanne Connors creates Japanese textiles. She imports tools and supplies from Japan and buys fabrics from India and various countries.
“I’ve always had to pay some kind of duty. I was always allowed to completely exempt myself from paying duty for the first $800. Now I pay duty on everything. India’s customs duty is currently 50%. So on a $3,600 order, you’ll end up paying $1,800 in customs duties on top of shipping,” Connors said.
