Small Business Owners Await Supreme Court Decision on Trump Tariffs

Tariffs have squeezed profits and forced some companies to delay expansion or lay off workers

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Small business owners across the U.S. are waiting anxiously for the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The tariffs, which were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, have increased costs for businesses that rely on imported materials and goods, forcing some to raise prices, delay expansion, or even lay off workers. The outcome of the case could have major implications for the future of U.S. trade policy.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's decision on the legality of Trump's emergency tariffs will determine whether small businesses can recoup the costs they've incurred or if they will be stuck paying the tariffs going forward. This could have a significant impact on the financial health and growth prospects of small businesses across the country.

The details

Businesses like Tristan Wright's Lost Boy Cider in Virginia, Beth Benike's Busy Baby in Minnesota, and Barton O'Brien's Baydog in Maryland have all been negatively impacted by the tariffs. The tariffs have increased their costs for imported materials and goods, forcing them to raise prices, delay expansion plans, and in some cases, lay off workers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates the tariffs will cost America's 236,000 small businesses about $200 billion annually.

  • Trump began imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act just over a year ago in February 2025.
  • The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case in early November 2024 and is expected to issue a ruling by February 20, 2026.

The players

Tristan Wright

The founder and president of Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia, whose production costs have increased due to higher tariffs on aluminum cans.

Beth Benike

The owner of Busy Baby, a Minnesota-based company that makes specialty baby products, who had to lay off her brother and forgo her own paycheck last year due to the tariffs.

Barton O'Brien

The owner of Baydog, a Maryland-based company that produces dog apparel, who had to pull the plug on a new line of Irish-style fisherman sweaters because importing from his manufacturers in India became unfeasible.

Walt Rowen

The third-generation owner of Susquehanna Glass Company in Pennsylvania, who worries about his tariff bill each time he replenishes stock.

Shawn Phetteplace

The national campaigns director for Main Street Alliance, an advocacy group for small businesses, who is preparing to help members if the Supreme Court strikes down the emergency tariffs.

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What they’re saying

“If there's one thing that's universal in business, no matter what you're doing, it's that stability and calmness create a positive market.”

— Walt Rowen, Third-generation owner, Susquehanna Glass Company (Oklahoma Voice)

“We've been waiting on it. Nobody's sure what really is going to happen — are they going to decide one way or another, and then what will happen?”

— Walt Rowen, Third-generation owner, Susquehanna Glass Company (Oklahoma Voice)

“They don't have another way of getting us out of this debt situation (and) you can point all the fingers you want over the last couple of decades.”

— Tristan Wright, Founder and president, Lost Boy Cider (Oklahoma Voice)

“I have been forced, as a business owner, to borrow money and tie up all that cash in product.”

— Barton O'Brien, Owner, Baydog (Oklahoma Voice)

“The Supreme Court has proven they can issue decisions very quickly when they want to. Every day that goes by, they're making the mess bigger.”

— Barton O'Brien, Owner, Baydog (Oklahoma Voice)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling on the legality of Trump's emergency tariffs by February 20, 2026. The outcome of the case could determine whether small businesses are able to recoup the costs they've incurred or if they will be stuck paying the tariffs going forward.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision on the Trump administration's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for small businesses across the country. Regardless of the ruling, the tariffs have already squeezed profits, forced some companies to delay expansion, and even led to layoffs. This highlights the need for more stable and predictable trade policies that support the growth and success of small businesses.