Small Businesses Await Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs

Owners say tariffs have squeezed their bottom lines and forced tough choices

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Small business owners across the U.S. are anxiously awaiting a Supreme Court decision on the legality of the tariffs imposed by former President Trump. The tariffs, implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, have increased costs for businesses and forced some to delay expansion, lay off workers, or absorb the added expenses themselves. Now they must wait to see if the high court will rule the tariffs illegal, potentially allowing them to recoup the funds paid.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling will have major implications for thousands of small businesses that have been impacted by the Trump administration's tariff policies. A decision in favor of the businesses could provide financial relief, but a ruling upholding the tariffs could embolden the president to take further unilateral trade actions, further squeezing small firms.

The details

Businesses across industries, from cider makers to dog apparel producers, have been hit hard by the tariffs. They've had to raise prices, delay expansion, lay off workers, and take on debt to cover the added costs. The tariffs, imposed under the IEEPA, have generated over $195 billion in revenue for the government in 2025 alone. However, economists argue the tariffs have hurt the overall economy by reducing consumer purchasing power and business growth.

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

The players

Tristan Wright

Founder and president of Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia, who has seen increased costs for aluminum cans 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 pull the plug on a new line of Irish-style fisherman sweaters due to the increased costs of importing from India.

Walt Rowen

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

Donald Trump

Former president who implemented the tariffs under the IEEPA, citing trade deficits and national security concerns.

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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 (dailyfly.com)

“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 (dailyfly.com)

“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 (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to release its ruling on the legality of Trump's emergency tariffs on February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision will have major ramifications for thousands of small businesses that have been squeezed by the Trump administration's tariff policies. A ruling against the tariffs could provide financial relief, but upholding them could embolden the president to take further unilateral trade actions, further harming small firms.