Tariffs, Tension, and Tactical Moves: How Small Businesses Can Stay Resilient

The word “tariff” doesn’t usually top the list of daily concerns for most small business owners until it does. With the latest waves of trade policy shifts making headlines, tariffs are once again casting a long shadow over product costs, margins, and inventory planning. For many of our clients at Colson Strategies, these shifts aren’t just abstract economic policy, they’re real, disruptive hits to the bottom line.

We’re seeing the impact ripple across industries: e-commerce brands facing sudden spikes in landed costs, manufacturers reworking their supplier mix, and service providers grappling with pass-through pricing that their clients might resist.

But here’s the good news: small businesses are remarkably adaptable.

One of our clients, a fast-growing consumer goods brand, quickly moved to diversify their supplier base across regions, reducing dependence on any one trade lane. Another client in the construction materials space proactively renegotiated contracts with both suppliers and customers, embedding flexibility clauses that allow for pricing adjustments tied to tariff fluctuations. And a third, in boutique apparel, took the opportunity to refresh product lines with locally sourced items that not only circumvent tariffs but also appeal to the “Made in USA” consumer segment.

Bottom line? Volatility doesn’t have to mean vulnerability. With the right moves, it can be a catalyst for growth.

If you’re feeling the pressure, here are 5 things you can do right now:

1. Audit your exposure.
   Get clear on which parts of your supply chain or product line are tariff-sensitive, and how much it’s costing you.
   
   

2. Talk to your suppliers.
   You might have more options than you think. Alternate sourcing, renegotiated terms, or even shared risk models.
   
   

3. Update your pricing strategy.
   Consider adding clauses that allow for adjustments, or move to shorter-term contracts with built-in flexibility.
   
   

4. Keep your customers in the loop.
   A quick heads-up goes a long way. Honest communication builds trust and loyalty.
   
   

5. Scenario plan.
   Use this moment to stress-test your business. What would you do if X changed tomorrow? Having a plan beats panic.
   
   

At Colson Strategies, we work closely with clients to turn uncertainty into advantage. If tariffs are keeping you up at night, or if you just want to stay ahead of the curve, let’s talk.

—Team Colson