A Small Business Perspective on Trump Tariffs

11 Apr

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A Small Business Voice on Trump Tariffs: Why Cooperation Matters More Than Conflict

In the world of global commerce, small businesses are often the first to feel the impact of international policy decisions. The introduction of tariffs under former President Donald Trump, particularly those targeting imports from China, created ripple effects throughout the supply chain—affecting not only multinational corporations but also modest exporters, wholesalers, and family-run manufacturers on both sides of the Pacific.

As a small international trading company based in China, we’d like to respectfully address the policy of Trump Tariffsfrom the perspective of a real-world exporter and supplier deeply connected to the global market, especially the U.S.

We Share a Common Market, a Common Future

Tariffs may seem like a tool of leverage in political negotiations, but for small businesses, they are barriers. Every additional cost added to cross-border goods forces small enterprises to either absorb losses, raise prices, or exit the market.

We want to say to President Trump, and to all those involved in international trade decisions: no one truly benefits from prolonged tariff wars—not American consumers, not Chinese suppliers, not the countless entrepreneurs caught in the middle.

We are in the same economy. We live on the same planet. You need us, and we need you.

The Real-World Effects of the Trump Tariffs

For exporters like us, the Trump administration’s US tariffs on China resulted in immediate consequences:

Increased import taxes made our t-shirt printing machines, DTG printers, and UV printers more expensive for U.S. buyers.
Small U.S. businesses that depended on affordable, high-quality Chinese manufacturing struggled with cash flow and profit margins.
Both Chinese and American companies lost customers, canceled orders, and halted expansion plans.
Long-term relationships based on trust and cooperation were put under stress by an unpredictable political landscape.

Small Businesses Are Not the Cause of Trade Imbalance

It’s important to understand that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not responsible for the structural trade imbalances between countries. We operate in a system defined by larger geopolitical and economic policies, often with little influence over their direction.

When trade war tariffs were introduced, they disrupted partnerships that took years to build. Instead of fostering innovation and global collaboration, protectionist policies divided supply chains and hurt the very people they claimed to protect.

The American Dream Depends on Choice and Competition

For American retailers, resellers, and startup brands, affordable and reliable sourcing is key to maintaining competitiveness. Whether it’s a customized printer, a piece of promotional equipment, or a specialized component, many rely on Chinese manufacturers to deliver quality at scale.

When tariffs increase prices, consumers ultimately foot the bill. Less competition leads to higher prices, reduced innovation, and fewer choices in the marketplace.

We Believe in Mutual Growth, Not Zero-Sum Thinking

The essence of global trade should be win-win cooperation. The reality is, China and the United States are the two largest economies in the world. Our fates are intertwined—economically, environmentally, and socially. Isolationist policies might score short-term political points, but they risk long-term damage to mutual trust and economic stability.

At GNFEI, our mission is to enable small businesses around the world to create value through accessible technology. We are proud to have worked with American customers for over a decade, providing reliable printing solutions such as DTF printers, DTG printers, and UV flatbed printers.

We know our clients by name. We understand their needs. And we want nothing more than to continue supporting their growth.

A Call to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Rethink Tariffs

Mr. Trump and decision-makers across the U.S. political landscape: We urge you to consider the long-term value of cooperation over confrontation. The goal of trade should not be domination—it should be sustainable growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Let’s move toward policies that:

Encourage open dialogue and fair trade practices.
Support SME participation in global commerce.
Remove unnecessary barriers between suppliers and buyers.
Recognize the real human and economic cost of tariffs.

Final Thoughts

We are not just exporters—we are partners, employers, innovators, and community builders. Whether in the U.S., China, or anywhere else, small businesses like ours form the backbone of the global economy.

We don’t ask for special treatment. We only ask for fairness, predictability, and the freedom to serve our customers without artificial barriers. Together, we can do more.