March 26, 2025
By Sustainability Core Advisors
Tariffs, which are taxes imposed on imported goods, can have far-reaching consequences for businesses across various industries. While governments use tariffs to protect domestic industries and generate revenue, they can also create challenges for companies reliant on international trade. The effects of tariffs can vary widely depending on the sector, business size, and the degree of dependence on global supply chains. The bottom line is, no matter what industry your business is in, tariffs will impact you in some manner.
This article explores how tariffs impact different types of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, agricultural producers, service industries, and consumers, as well as the broader economy. Even if your business is not impacted as much as others, it’s important to consider the impact of tariffs on your customers, suppliers, and competitors. Sustainability Core Advisors, fractional sustainability consultants, works with our clients to show how tariffs are yet another factor – like many others beyond your immediate “zone of influence” – that must be considered in building a sustainable business plan.
Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers that rely on imported raw materials and components often bear the brunt of tariffs. Higher costs for imported steel, aluminum, electronic components, and chemicals can increase production expenses, making domestic manufacturing less competitive. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, companies may pass these costs on to consumers, leading to higher retail prices and potentially reducing demand.
Small and medium-sized manufacturers, in particular, face difficulties adapting to tariff-related cost increases. Unlike large corporations with diversified supply chains, smaller manufacturers may lack the resources to find alternative suppliers or shift production domestically. This can result in lower profit margins, reduced hiring, and delayed expansion plans.
For manufacturers exporting goods, retaliatory tariffs from other countries can also be a significant challenge. If foreign markets impose tariffs on U.S.-made products, demand for those goods can decline, forcing businesses to find alternative markets or reduce production. This can lead to job losses and decreased investment in manufacturing facilities. Companies that heavily depend on exports, such as those in the machinery, automobile, and electronics industries, may suffer the most.
Impact on Retailers
Retailers that sell imported goods, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and household appliances, may experience price increases due to tariffs on these products. As costs rise, businesses must decide whether to absorb the expenses, cut costs elsewhere, or pass them on to consumers. Price-sensitive customers may reduce their spending, leading to lower sales and revenue declines.
Large retailers, such as national chains and e-commerce giants, may have more flexibility in negotiating with suppliers or sourcing from alternative countries. However, smaller retailers with fewer supplier options may struggle to remain competitive. Companies that rely on global supply chains may need to adjust sourcing strategies, renegotiate contracts, or explore alternative suppliers in countries not affected by tariffs.
Another significant impact of tariffs on retailers is the disruption of inventory management. Many retailers operate on a just-in-time inventory system, meaning they stock products based on demand projections. Unexpected tariffs can make it challenging to manage inventory costs effectively, leading to either excess stock at higher prices or supply shortages that drive customers elsewhere.
Impact on Agricultural Producers
The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to tariffs, as many farmers and agribusinesses depend on exports. When other countries impose retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products, demand for U.S. soybeans, corn, pork, dairy, and other goods can decrease significantly. This can lead to lower commodity prices, reduced farm income, and financial strain on rural economies.
For example, China’s retaliatory tariffs on American soybeans in recent years forced U.S. farmers to seek alternative markets or sell their crops at lower prices. Given that farming operates on thin margins, even a small decrease in prices can lead to significant financial distress for producers.
Tariffs on imported agricultural equipment, fertilizers, and seeds can also increase costs for farmers, further squeezing profit margins. In response, some farmers may shift to different crops or reduce production, affecting overall agricultural output and food supply chains. The effects can also trickle down to food processing and distribution companies that depend on a steady flow of agricultural products.
Impact on Service Industries
While tariffs primarily affect goods, service industries can also feel the effects in various ways. For example, logistics and transportation companies that facilitate international trade may experience reduced demand if tariffs disrupt supply chains. Fewer imports and exports can mean less business for shipping companies, trucking firms, freight forwarders, and warehouse operators.
Financial services, including banking and investment firms, may also be affected if tariffs lead to economic uncertainty and market volatility. Investors may be hesitant to commit capital to industries affected by tariffs, impacting corporate financing and expansion plans. Currency fluctuations caused by trade disputes can also add an additional layer of risk for multinational financial institutions.
Tourism and hospitality industries can also be indirectly affected by tariffs. Trade disputes and economic slowdowns caused by tariffs can discourage international travel and investment in affected regions. Hotels, airlines, and restaurants that rely on business travelers and tourists from affected countries may experience a decline in revenue.
Impact on Consumers
Ultimately, consumers bear much of the burden of tariffs. Higher prices for imported goods can reduce purchasing power, making everyday items such as electronics, clothing, and automobiles more expensive. Inflationary pressures from tariffs can decrease overall economic growth as consumers cut back on discretionary spending.
For lower-income households, tariffs can be particularly harmful, as these consumers spend a larger portion of their income on basic necessities. If tariffs drive up the cost of essential goods such as food, clothing, and household items, it can lead to financial hardship for millions of families.
In some cases, domestic producers may benefit if tariffs reduce competition from foreign goods. However, this advantage is often temporary, as higher production costs and retaliatory trade measures can offset potential gains. Additionally, if domestic industries are not ready to scale up production to meet demand, shortages of certain goods may occur, further driving up prices.
Broader Economic Implications
Beyond individual businesses, tariffs can have broader economic consequences. Trade tensions between major economies can lead to uncertainty in global markets, affecting investor confidence and economic growth. Businesses may delay expansion plans, hold off on hiring, or relocate operations to avoid tariff-related costs.
Governments may also intervene with subsidies or financial assistance programs to support industries affected by tariffs. While these measures can provide temporary relief, they can also strain public finances and lead to higher budget deficits. Also, prolonged trade disputes can harm diplomatic relations between countries, making it more challenging to negotiate future trade agreements.
Strategies for Businesses to Adapt
To mitigate the impact of tariffs, businesses can adopt several strategies:
- Diversifying Supply Chains – Companies can reduce reliance on countries subject to tariffs by sourcing from alternative markets or increasing domestic production.
- Reevaluating Pricing Strategies – Businesses may need to adjust pricing models to account for increased costs while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
- Investing in Automation and Efficiency – Manufacturers can invest in technology to reduce reliance on labor and improve production efficiency to offset rising costs.
- Exploring New Markets – Export-oriented businesses can seek alternative markets that are not affected by trade disputes.
- Advocacy and Trade Policy Engagement – Companies can work with industry groups and policymakers to advocate for trade policies that support business growth and stability.
Understand How Tariffs May Impact You
Tariffs have complex and far-reaching effects on different types of businesses. While some industries may see short-term benefits, many others face higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and economic uncertainty. Businesses must adapt by diversifying supply chains, exploring new markets, and investing in domestic production to mitigate tariff-related challenges. Policymakers, in turn, must weigh the economic consequences of tariffs carefully to ensure balanced trade policies that support long-term business growth and stability.
Understanding the full scope of tariff impacts allows businesses and their customers to make informed decisions. As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, staying ahead of potential tariff-related disruptions will be crucial for long-term success in a competitive and interconnected world.
Sustainability Core Advisors works to help our clients understand and respond to the impact of tariffs and other market factors. Our goal to help you build a sustainable business plan that help your company achieve a Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet, and Profit.