Tariffs continue to be top of mind for American businesses. While the Trump Administration’s stated goal is to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S., tariffs present major challenges for small manufacturers and e-commerce brands.
For many, higher costs, supply chain delays, and unpredictable inventory flows are creating significant hurdles. The key to navigating these issues lies not in reacting impulsively but in taking a strategic, data-driven approach. Tariffs might be inevitable in the current trade environment, but there are ways for small businesses to minimize their impact.
Increased tariffs mean higher prices for raw materials and finished goods, but shipping, storage and handling costs often increase too, which threatens small- to midsized business (SMB) profitability — especially when up against larger competitors with more resources.
It’s not just the financial strain. Tariffs can disrupt inventory management. Customs delays, along with the need to adjust to fluctuating costs, can throw a wrench into operations. Stockouts can push customers to look elsewhere. Higher prices can alienate loyal buyers. Juggling all these challenges while trying to maintain a focus on growth can feel like playing catch-up.
When adjusting prices, the goal is to strike a balance. It’s important to start by communicating with customers. Transparency goes a long way, especially if you can explain the external factors driving the price hikes. Let customers know that tariffs are impacting raw material prices or shipping costs, and they’ll likely be more understanding. And figure out the right pricing based on cost increases and market conditions.
However, pricing adjustments shouldn’t take the form of across-the-board increases. Focus on the specific products most impacted by the tariffs. For example, if the price of steel or wood has gone up, adjust the prices of products made with those materials. This ensures that the price hikes are proportionate to the increased cost of goods, and minimizes the risk of upsetting your customer base.
Don’t forget to negotiate with your own suppliers, too. If you’re buying in bulk, you might be able to lock in more favorable rates. Or, if you’ve been relying on one supplier, it might be time to explore other options to diversify your sources and potentially reduce costs.
While navigating tariffs requires short-term tactics such as pricing adjustments and inventory management, it’s also important to think about the following long-term strategies:
Diversify supply chains. Reliance on a single supplier or market for raw materials or finished goods exposes businesses to significant risks when tariffs change. By diversifying supply chains — whether by sourcing from different countries or finding local alternatives — businesses can reduce their dependency on tariff-prone regions and spread their risk.
Focus on operational efficiency. To avoid compromising growth potential, an effective strategy is to integrate artificial intelligence-driven inventory management systems. These tools can analyze large amounts of data to predict demand trends, automate purchasing decisions and optimize stock levels in real time. The result is a leaner, more efficient operation that can weather the impact of higher costs.
Optimize customer relationships. By offering value-added services, personalized experiences or bunded products, businesses can help justify price increases and demonstrate the value customers are receiving. Beyond just products, creating an easy and transparent returns process can be a powerful trust-building strategy. Customers who trust your business are more likely to accept price adjustments.
The rise of tariffs is a challenge that small businesses can’t ignore, but it’s not an insurmountable one. With the right strategies, you can adjust pricing, manage inventory, and find ways to stay competitive in an increasingly volatile global market. The key is not to panic, but to take a measured, data-driven approach to each decision.
By staying flexible, diversifying your supply chain, and focusing on efficiency, you can turn the challenge of rising tariffs into an opportunity for long-term business success.
Ajoy Krishnamoorthy is chief executive officer of Cin7.