Welcome to the wild world of international trade, where small business owners are navigating a mind-bending maze of economic uncertainty. President Trump’s tariff policies have turned entrepreneurial dreams into a nerve-wracking game of economic Jenga.

Entrepreneurs across the nation are feeling the pinch, with companies like EarthQuaker Devices and Manley Labs experiencing dramatic shifts in their business strategies. Julie Robbins, CEO of EarthQuaker Devices, dramatically warns of a potential “mass extinction of small businesses” due to these unpredictable trade policies.

The Tariff Tango

The past few months have been a whirlwind of policy changes. Trump’s tariffs have zigzagged across global markets, creating a landscape where businesses can barely catch their breath. From sudden exemptions on electronics to threats against smartphone manufacturers, small business owners are left playing an exhausting game of economic roulette.

Survival Strategies

Some companies are adapting by diversifying their supply chains and exploring international markets. Intuition Robotics, for example, is looking beyond China to reduce potential risks. Others, like Willow, a medical device company, find themselves trapped with limited options for manufacturing shifts.

The Human Cost

Behind these economic statistics are real human stories of frustration and survival. EveAnna Manley of Manley Labs has already cut employee hours by 25% and seen sales drop more than 19%. Her raw emotion captures the sentiment of many: “I’m so angry that my own government has done this to me”.

As the tariff chaos continues, small businesses are left wondering: How much more can they endure?