Small Businesses Await Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs

Owners say tariffs have squeezed their profits and forced difficult decisions

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Small business owners across the U.S. are feeling the impact of the tariffs imposed by former President Trump, with many reporting higher costs, lost inventory, and delayed business expansions. They are now waiting anxiously for a Supreme Court decision on the legality of Trump's use of emergency powers to enact the tariffs. The outcome could have major implications for their bottom lines.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling will determine whether Trump overstepped his authority in using emergency powers to unilaterally impose tariffs, which have cost small businesses an estimated $200 billion annually. A ruling against the tariffs could provide relief, but a ruling in Trump's favor may embolden him to take further trade actions that continue to squeeze small businesses.

The details

Tristan Wright of Lost Boy Cider in Virginia has seen his aluminum can costs rise due to the tariffs, while Beth Benike of Busy Baby in Minnesota ran out of inventory for months after Trump's trade war with China. Barton O'Brien of Baydog in Maryland had to scrap plans for a new product line from India, and Walt Rowen of Susquehanna Glass in Pennsylvania worries about his tariff bill each time he restocks. Overall, 81.5% of small businesses surveyed said they may raise prices to offset tariff costs, 41.7% reported they would delay expansion, and 31.5% said layoffs were likely.

  • Trump began imposing tariffs under emergency powers over a year ago in February 2025.
  • The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case in early November 2024 and is expected to rule by February 20, 2026.

The players

Tristan Wright

Founder and president of Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia.

Beth Benike

Owner of Busy Baby, a Minnesota-based inventor and seller of specialty baby products.

Barton O'Brien

Owner of Baydog, a Maryland-based dog apparel producer.

Walt Rowen

Third-generation owner of Susquehanna Glass Company, a Pennsylvania-based glass and ceramic decorator.

Main Street Alliance

An advocacy group representing roughly 3,000 small businesses.

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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 (Utah News 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 (Utah News 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, Owner and president, Lost Boy Cider (Utah News 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 (Utah News Dispatch)

“I was holding off on shipping it until that decision was made, because the difference would have been $40,000 for me.”

— Beth Benike, Owner, Busy Baby (Utah News Dispatch)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of Trump's use of emergency powers to impose the tariffs by February 20, 2026. The outcome could determine whether small businesses are able to recoup the costs they have incurred or if they will continue to face the financial burden.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs will have major implications for small businesses across the country. A ruling against the tariffs could provide much-needed relief, but a decision in Trump's favor may embolden him to take further trade actions that continue to squeeze small businesses and their profits.