Abstract

Tariff wars, characterized by escalating trade barriers between nations, have profoundly affected the global economic landscape over the past decade. While much attention has focused on their macroeconomic implications and effects on large corporations, the impact on small businesses in the United States has been equally significant yet often underexplored. This article examines how tariff conflicts, particularly the U.S.-China trade war initiated in 2018, have affected American small businesses across various sectors. The analysis considers both direct effects through increased input costs and indirect consequences through supply chain disruptions, market access changes, and competitive dynamics. Understanding these impacts is crucial for policymakers and business leaders as they navigate an increasingly complex international trade environment.