Tariffs Are Pushing Small Furniture Businesses to the Brink

Small businesses don’t operate with the cushion that large corporations enjoy. One Philadelphia-based furniture wholesaler with 17 employees recently signed our letter and shared how the recent wave of tariff hikes has pushed their business to the edge:

“We are a small furniture wholesale company that works on tight margins to compete with the larger companies. The initial tariff (10%) was not passed on to our retail customers in order to keep business flowing, which led to a profit loss for our 2nd and 3rd quarter. We were forced to pass on the additional tariffs in September to our customers. Business as a whole in our industry is suffering. Our company's business is down almost 40% compared to 2024, and we are left with the possibility that we may not make it through 2026 due to the tariffs.”

This is exactly what we continue to hear from small businesses across the country: the constant unpredictability — shifting tariff percentages, uncertain start dates, and last-minute changes — makes it impossible to plan, price, or manage inventory.

This company absorbed the first tariff hike to protect their customers. They tightened margins. They kept prices stable for as long as they could. But small businesses simply can’t absorb unpredictable 10%, 15%, or 20%-plus swings without consequences.

Now their sales are down 40%. Their industry is hurting. And their future — and the livelihoods of 17 employees — is at risk.

These stories underscore a reality policymakers must understand: tariffs don’t just hit importers. They ripple through entire industries, communities, and supply chains. 

If you’re a small business facing similar challenges, we want to hear from you. Your stories help illustrate the real-world consequences of these policies — and they matter.

📣 Share your experience or sign onto our open letter to Congress. Together, we can push for stable, predictable trade policies that support American businesses rather than jeopardize them.