What the 90-Day Pause in Tariffs with China Means for Small Business
President Donald Trump’s recent 90-day pause on tariffs with China offers temporary relief for small businesses, but there are certainly challenges with this strategy. The agreement, announced on May 12, 2025, reduces U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 percent to 30 percent, while China lowers its tariffs on American imports from 125 percent to 10 percent. This truce aims to facilitate further negotiations between the two countries and slow the economic damage of escalating trade barriers. So, where’s the downside?
For small businesses, this reduction means decreased import costs, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers. However, the 90-day timeframe offers little opportunity for businesses to adjust supply chains or place new orders, particularly for goods that require long production or shipping lead times. As reported by Midland Daily News, the temporary pause “does not solve the uncertainty” that has plagued importers and retailers.
The unpredictability surrounding what will happen after the 90-day pause further complicates planning. Businesses are reluctant to commit to large orders or long-term inventory strategies for fear tariffs will spike again come August. As Midland Daily News explains, the brief window has done little to alleviate this anxiety.
Strategic Adjustments
Some companies are using this pause to consider strategic adjustments—think of things like stockpiling goods, exploring bonded warehouses, or searching for domestic or non-Chinese suppliers. But these solutions aren’t always accessible to smaller operations with limited cash flow or staffing.
According to The Guardian, many business owners are working overtime just to “stay afloat,” scrambling to find reliable and affordable sourcing alternatives. Meanwhile, shipping and logistics firms are also rethinking warehouse costs and distribution models in light of lower (but still volatile) tariffs, as reported in Business Insider.
Legal Pushback
Economic pressures have prompted some small business owners to challenge the tariffs in court. Emily Ley and others have joined a lawsuit arguing that President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing the tariffs under emergency powers without Congressional approval.mCompanies such as V.O.S. Selections and MicroKits LLC have also voiced opposition, claiming the policies severely undercut their ability to operate effectively. The legal challenge, V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, may become a landmark case in defining presidential authority over trade policy.
What’s on the Road Ahead?
While the 90-day tariff pause offers a brief opportunity for relief, its short duration and uncertain outcome mean small businesses have to remain cautious. The future of trade with China is far from settled, and many companies are holding off on big decisions until a more stable agreement emerges. For now, flexibility, legal awareness, and supply chain resilience are crucial for small business owners navigating this volatile economic landscape.
At ARF Financial, we know how economic uncertainty can present challenges to small business owners. That’s why we cover all the latest updates in the world of small business over at the Financial Pantry. Be sure to stop by and read up on government rulings, marketing trends, and more—all through a lens of entrepreneurship. It’s your best resource to stay ahead of the trends, and stay on-track for success.
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