Small Business Owners Await Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs

Tariffs imposed under emergency powers have squeezed profits and forced some companies to delay expansion or lay off workers

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Small business owners across the U.S. are anxiously awaiting a Supreme Court decision on the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump under emergency powers. The tariffs, which were intended to address trade deficits and illicit fentanyl smuggling, have significantly increased costs for businesses that rely on imported goods, forcing some to raise prices, delay expansion, or even lay off workers. The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case in November 2025 and is expected to rule by February 20, 2026.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling will determine whether Trump had the legal authority to unilaterally impose the tariffs, which have cost small businesses an estimated $200 billion annually. A ruling against the tariffs could provide relief for struggling small businesses, but a ruling in favor could embolden the president to take further trade actions that impact Main Street.

The details

Businesses across various industries have been impacted by the tariffs, including a Virginia cider maker who has seen higher aluminum can costs, a Minnesota baby product inventor who ran out of inventory, a Maryland dog apparel producer who had to cancel a new product line, and a Pennsylvania glass and ceramic decorator who worries about his tariff bill. The tariffs have forced some small business owners to take out loans, delay expansion, and even lay off workers in order to absorb the increased costs.

  • 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 2025 and is expected to release its decision by February 20, 2026.

The players

Tristan Wright

Founder and president of Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia, who has seen higher aluminum can costs due to the tariffs.

Beth Benike

Minnesota-based inventor and seller of baby products who ran out of inventory and lost income for months due to the tariffs.

Barton O'Brien

Owner of the Annapolis, Maryland-based Baydog company, who had to cancel a new line of Irish-style fisherman sweaters due to the tariffs.

Walt Rowen

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

Scott Bessent

U.S. Treasury Secretary who made a rare appearance in the Supreme Court courtroom during the tariffs case.

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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 (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

“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 (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

“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 (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

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

— Barton O'Brien, Owner, Baydog company (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

“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 company (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to release its decision on the legality of Trump's emergency tariffs by February 20, 2026. The ruling will determine whether small businesses can recoup the tariff costs they have paid or if the tariffs will remain in place.

The takeaway

The ongoing uncertainty around the legality of Trump's tariffs has created significant financial challenges for small businesses across the country, forcing many to raise prices, delay expansion, or even lay off workers. The Supreme Court's upcoming decision will have major implications for the future of trade policy and the economic well-being of Main Street.