Colorado Businesses React to Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Owners say tariffs have squeezed profits, while advocates argue they drove economic growth

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Supreme Court's ruling invalidating many of President Trump's tariffs is being welcomed by some local businesses in Colorado who say they've been operating at a loss due to the increased costs of imported goods. However, a business development advocate argues the tariffs helped attract more international companies to the state, though they acknowledge the future remains uncertain.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's decision to strike down many of the Trump administration's tariffs could have significant implications for Colorado's economy, impacting both businesses that rely on imported goods and those that benefited from the tariffs by attracting more international investment.

The details

Denver and Aurora business owner Hannah Cho says her nail salons and restaurants have been hit hard by the tariffs, with the cost of Japanese ingredients for her sushi restaurant rising 50-75%. She says she's been unable to pass those costs on to customers. Cho welcomes the Supreme Court ruling, saying it will allow her to reduce prices. However, Ellie Reynolds of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation argues the tariffs actually helped drive a 19% increase in companies looking to relocate headquarters to the area, particularly in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Reynolds says the gains from that may now slow without the tariffs in place.

  • The Supreme Court ruling invalidating many of President Trump's tariffs was issued in February 2026.

The players

Hannah Cho

A Denver and Aurora business owner who operates two nail salons and two restaurants, including a Korean barbecue and a sushi restaurant that delivers via model train.

Ellie Reynolds

The CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, who says the tariffs helped attract more international companies to the area, particularly in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of supplies and ingredients went up. We cannot make any money, many, many months. So during the summer, we make money and we save some, and then winter, we use the savings.”

— Hannah Cho, Business Owner (CBS Colorado)

“We felt like tariffs were working. We actually saw a 19% increase in companies looking to find new headquarter locations. And so we will navigate the new decision, but ultimately, we felt like it was a great time for economic development.”

— Ellie Reynolds, CEO, Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

The future remains uncertain, with questions surrounding whether importers will be reimbursed for past tariffs and what other actions the Trump administration may take in response to the Supreme Court ruling.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision to strike down many of the Trump administration's tariffs has created a mixed reaction in Colorado, with some businesses welcoming the relief from increased costs while economic development advocates argue the tariffs helped attract new investment to the state. The long-term impacts on Colorado's economy remain to be seen.