With President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs looming, U.S. businesses are strategizing ways to protect their operations from the potential economic ripple effects. Trump’s proposal includes a 10% tariff on all imports and a substantial 60% tariff on goods made in China, a significant trading partner for the U.S. There is also a suggested 25% levy on imports from Mexico. If enacted, these measures could elevate consumer prices and provoke retaliatory tariffs from affected countries, leading to a cascade of economic consequences. Economists warn that Trump’s tariff plan, which may be his most impactful economic policy, could drive inflation, disrupt U.S.-China trade, and revert import duty rates to levels not seen since the 1930s.
Businesses Respond by Front-Loading Inventories
Many U.S. businesses are taking proactive steps to mitigate risks. For example, M.A.D. Furniture Design, based in Hong Kong, is accelerating shipments of its Chinese-manufactured furniture to a warehouse in Minneapolis, anticipating a smoother transition if the tariffs come into effect. Similarly, Joe & Bella, an online clothing retailer based in Chicago, has significantly increased orders for popular Chinese-made items, such as shirts and pants, to ensure supplies last through the upcoming Chinese New Year when factory operations pause for several weeks. “We wanted our merchandise delivered before Chinese New Year to avoid potential delays and tariff impacts,” said co-founder Jimmy Zollo.
Front-loading, or preemptively increasing inventory, has been a common strategy among importers to avoid trump’s tariff costs. However, with the breadth of products that could be affected by Trump’s proposed tariffs, experts speculate that U.S. ports might become congested if many companies employ similar tactics. This strategy requires businesses to invest heavily in storage and logistics, a costly endeavor that some, particularly small businesses, may not be able to afford.
Smaller Businesses Weigh Options Amidst Uncertainty
While larger companies with sufficient resources might lean toward front-loading, some small business owners are adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing cash flow over large, preemptive stockpiling. Hilla Hascalovici, CEO of New York-based Periodally, a company that sells Chinese-made heating patches for menstrual relief, has decided against early orders, citing the high costs of storage and expedited shipping as deterrents. Similarly, Max Lemper-Tabatsky of Denver-based Oaktree Memorials, which imports cremation urns from Asia and Europe, has chosen a “wait-and-see” approach rather than committing significant capital based on potential trump’s tariffs that may not materialize.
Freight companies, too, are preparing for the potential changes. Alan Baer, president of OL USA, a freight handling company, anticipates a slowdown in shipments if the tariffs are enacted, potentially leading to reduced demand for his firm’s services. “Tariffs in shipping are challenging no matter the scenario,” Baer remarked, highlighting the potential for workforce reductions if tariffs lead to decreased import volumes.
In light of Trump’s tariff policies during his presidency from 2017 to 2021, many in the business community remain skeptical but cautious, acknowledging that campaign promises do not always result in implemented policies. However, with the possibility of substantial tariffs, U.S. businesses are adopting a mix of preemptive and conservative strategies to navigate the uncertainty ahead.
