Businesses that rely on imported goods, such as beauty supply stores, custom T-shirt shops and tattoo parlors, face potential financial strains due to increased tariffs on foreign products.
President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on countries including China, Japan, Mexico and Canada, raising concerns for small business owners who depend on imported materials.
According to ABC Action News, China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of beauty products, and many stores in the United States stock their shelves with these items. With the cost of imported goods on the rise, business owners are bracing for potential price increases that could affect their bottom line.
On March 4, Trump doubled tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. While the tariffs have not fully taken effect, business owners have been warned to anticipate price hikes. Many are already strategizing how to adjust to the potential financial burden.
Reggie Williams, owner of Empire Tattoos, expressed concern over the rising costs for materials.
“It will probably lead to a widespread increase in material costs because we use so many things for safety reasons. A lot of the supplies are single-use, and that adds up,” Williams told FAMU TV-20.
Tattoo parlors rely heavily on imports from Japan, a country known for providing high-quality tattoo equipment and materials. With higher tariffs, the cost of necessary items such as needles, ink and sterilization supplies are expected to increase. Williams emphasized that these costs could be detrimental to smaller businesses operating on tight margins.
Hair stylists are among the businesses that are feeling the pressure. “Instead of spending $100 on your hair, you will spend $200 now,” Lauren, a local hairstylist, told FAMU TV-20. “If these tariffs continue to rise, we must raise our prices, which could push customers away.”
Some salon owners fear that higher costs could lead to declining sales, forcing them to reconsider product offerings or even cut staff.
Custom T-shirt businesses, another sector that relies on imported goods, are also affected. The materials used for printing, including fabrics and dyes, often come from countries subject to tariffs. If production costs rise, business owners may have no choice but to increase prices, potentially leading to lower sales.
Experts say tariffs can serve as a tool to promote domestic production, but they also pose challenges for businesses that rely on global trade. Small business owners in particular find it difficult to absorb the increased costs without passing them on to consumers.
While the full impact of the tariffs remains to be seen, businesses that depend on imported goods are already feeling the pressure. Some are considering new strategies to remain competitive, whether seeking alternative suppliers, adjusting pricing models or cutting operational costs.
As the situation develops, business owners will continue to monitor how the tariffs influence their bottom line, hoping for relief or policy changes that could alleviate financial strain. For now, the future remains uncertain for those who rely on imported products to keep their businesses running.