Small Businesses Still Dealing With Damage From Tariffs, Despite US Supreme Court Ruling

By Kekeletso Nkele, small.news Assistant

(small.news) — A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States to get rid of several tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump has eased pressure on many U.S. small businesses burdened by rising costs, according to NBC News. However, uncertainty still remains as the administration explores alternative legal avenues to impose new tariffs.

This has left many small business owners unsure whether the relief will last or whether refunds will ever materialize.

Chaos for Small Businesses

The tariffs, announced in April 2025 on what the administration called “Liberation Day,” generated more than $130 billion in revenue. However, the costs have largely been borne by U.S. small businesses and consumers.

Richard Trent, executive director of the Main Street Alliance, which represents over 30,000 small businesses, described the rollout as destabilizing.

“What our members experienced was chaos—rates jumping overnight, no phase-in, no planning horizon,” Trent said to NBC.

For many companies, the damage is already done.

Layoffs, Lost Growth, and Delayed Hiring

Rick Muskat, president of New York–based shoe company Deer Stags Concepts, told NBC News the tariffs forced layoffs and froze expansion plans.

Andrea Englisis, president of Athenee Importers & Distributors, said she paid tariff bills with funds originally allocated for employee salaries. If tariffs are refunded, she estimates she could hire two new staff members—but emphasized that remains uncertain.

Even with the ruling, the administration could reintroduce tariffs under different trade laws. Trump has floated a 10% global tariff, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has acknowledged the availability of alternative policy tools.

Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute cautioned that the ruling’s broader impact may be limited.

Farmers Welcome the Decision

The agricultural sector broadly welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling. The National Farmers Union praised the court justices for clarifying tariff authority but warned that many family farmers have already absorbed lasting losses. In December, the administration issued a one-time $12 billion “bridge payment” to farmers, citing trade disruptions and rising production costs.

John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association, called the ruling a win but stressed it does not undo years of harm.

Will Small Businesses Get Refunds?

The court did not specify how refunds would be handled. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the ruling left unanswered whether or not—and how—the government should return billions already collected.

Bessent previously stated that if the administration lost in court, refunds could amount to roughly half of the tariff revenue collected.

For some, refunds could be a lifeline. Melkon Khosrovian, co-founder of Greenbar Distillery in California, said refunds would allow him to begin hiring again and restore confidence. Others remain skeptical. Tom Wetzel, owner of Utah-based Red Raven Games, said consumer uncertainty and inflation-driven pullbacks in discretionary spending have already reshaped his market.

Relief, Not Resolution

While the decision offers short-term relief, many small businesses and farmers remain cautious. The ruling sends a message about limits on tariff authority—but for those who endured layoffs, lost customers, and stalled growth, the path to recovery remains uncertain.