Tariffs have always been a hot topic in global trade, and for good reason—they can either protect or pressure, depending on which side you’re on. Personally, I see tariffs as a double-edged sword.
On one hand, they can help protect local industries, encouraging people to buy domestically and giving small and medium-sized businesses a chance to compete with cheaper imports. This can be good for jobs, innovation, and national self-reliance.
On the other hand, the ripple effect of tariffs can hit hard, especially in industries like printing, manufacturing, or retail. When the cost of imported materials rises—like paper, ink, or even machinery—it directly affects the bottom line for businesses and, eventually, the consumer.
As someone who understands the challenges of running a business, I believe the real issue isn’t just the tariffs themselves, but the lack of balance. Tariffs without strategic support for local industries (such as better infrastructure, access to capital, or training) just shift the burden from one group to another.
At the end of the day, I think tariffs should be used wisely—not as a weapon, but as a tool for long-term economic strength. It’s about protecting without punishing, and promoting growth rather than just raising barriers.
I do want to state from my personal point of view, the radical sweeping structure of the tariffs that have been imposed, will cripple a large amount of “mom & pop” businesses that do not have access to capital, volumes of wealth to sustain operational effectiveness in the short, medium and long term. While there’s no denying the need to impose stricter tariffs to protect the local economy, it might have been a better idea to rollout in increments to allow businesses to normalize. Instead what we are seeing in the Small Business sector, a daily barrage of emails from vendors, suppliers and distributors announcing immediate closures, bankruptcy filings and sweeping unmoderated increases that are having an immediate negative impact on an already struggling economy. I completely understand the reasoning, to protect local markets first, and to make the American economy robust, however it is going to be at the expense of significant GDP casualties.
Will there be any help, lifelines to small businesses that are facing imminent closure?
Vic is the creator and voice behind The Jubber Journal , where he shares personal reflections on faith, life, and his “Step Into Life” journey. Born in Zimbabwe and having lived across Africa and Europe before settling in the United States, Vic draws from a rich, global perspective and over three decades of professional experience in the printing and operations industry.
Through his writing, he explores themes of spiritual growth and resilience, chronicling his transition from a “man of the world” to a life centered on faith. When he isn’t writing or managing operations, Vic is a passionate advocate for the “land of opportunity” and shares his story to encourage others to find purpose and renewal.