Rising Tariffs Squeeze Small Businesses in Minnesota

Brewery owner says unpredictable trade policies make it harder to run a business

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Rising tariffs over the last year have affected how one Minnesota brewery owner runs his business, making it harder to plan and make decisions. The owner of Swing Barrel Brewing Company says the lack of stability and predictability in trade policies is a major challenge for small businesses that don't have the financial reserves of larger companies to absorb the extra costs. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is running for governor, says small businesses are "road kill" when it comes to the impacts of tariffs.

Why it matters

Small businesses like Swing Barrel Brewing Company are being squeezed by rising tariffs and unpredictable trade policies, which can force them to raise prices for customers and make it difficult to plan for the future. This highlights the outsized impact that trade disputes and tariffs can have on local economies and small enterprises.

The details

Swing Barrel Brewing Company owner Sean Syverson says the business has had to raise prices on many of its beverages due to the tariffs, especially on imports from Canada, one of Minnesota's biggest trade partners. Syverson says the lack of stability and predictability in trade policies makes it much harder for small businesses to make sound decisions and plan for the future.

  • In the last year, Canada has faced up to 35% tariffs on a majority of their goods exported to the U.S.
  • President Trump recently announced a 100% tariff on all goods from Canada.

The players

Sean Syverson

Owner of Swing Barrel Brewing Company, a Minnesota brewery affected by rising tariffs.

Amy Klobuchar

U.S. Senator running for governor of Minnesota, who says small businesses are being hurt by the impacts of tariffs.

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What they’re saying

“What's happening right now with the tariffs is really concerning for our small businesses, because they don't have, like a big business might have, the kind of reserves to deal with the extra expenses. And they're kind of road kill when it comes to these tariffs.”

— Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator (KFGO/KVRR)

“When we don't have those things, it makes it a lot harder for us to make good, solid business decisions. We cannot absorb hits before taking risks on unstable ground.”

— Sean Syverson, Owner, Swing Barrel Brewing Company (KFGO/KVRR)

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to release their opinions on the tariffs by the end of the week, which could provide more clarity on the future of trade policies affecting small businesses.

The takeaway

This case highlights the outsized impact that unpredictable trade policies and rising tariffs can have on small, local businesses that lack the financial reserves of larger corporations to absorb the extra costs. It underscores the need for more stability and predictability in the trade environment to allow small enterprises to plan and make sound business decisions.