Trump's Trade Policies Strain Small Businesses, Experts Warn

Under the Trump administration, small businesses have faced increasing challenges due to trade and tax policies, with tariffs raising manufacturing costs and offsetting the benefits of previous tax cuts. This has led to decreased consumer confidence and reduced sales, particularly for companies reliant on foreign suppliers. Experts advise small business owners to prioritize long-term planning and financial resilience to adapt to ongoing economic volatility. On a broader scale, Trump's approach to foreign policy has shifted toward transactionalism, undermining multilateral institutions and replacing them with ad hoc, deal-based alliances. This has placed both domestic businesses and developing nations in uncertain positions, requiring them to negotiate access to resources or strategic support directly with the U.S. The overall environment is marked by instability and a retreat from established international norms.