Small retailers on 'vacation from hell' as they seek clarity on Trump's China tariffs

Economic Impact of Trade Policies - The trade war between the U.S. and China has significantly affected small businesses that rely on imports, with tariffs on Chinese goods remaining at a historically high rate of 30% [3][5][18] - A survey indicated that less than 30% of CEOs forecast a recession in the next six months, down from 46% in May and 62% in April, suggesting a slight improvement in business sentiment [6] - Optimism among small business owners increased slightly, but uncertainty remains high, indicating mixed feelings about the economic outlook [7] Business Strategies and Challenges - Companies like Guardian Baseball are facing increased costs due to tariffs, leading to inventory order delays and a more conservative approach to product development [5][19] - Some businesses have paused new inventory orders or raised prices to cope with higher import costs, with potential price increases of 10% to 20% anticipated [11][12] - The uncertainty surrounding future tariffs has left many businesses in a "wait-and-see" mode, impacting their operational decisions [11][13] Specific Company Experiences - Guardian Baseball, which sells products on platforms like Amazon and Walmart, has seen its costs rise significantly since the onset of the trade war, affecting its pricing strategy [5][18] - ASM Games is concerned about the timing of inventory orders in relation to the expiration of the current trade agreement, fearing increased tariffs could jeopardize their holiday sales [11][12] - Down Under Bedding has halted imports and is reconsidering product lines due to the financial strain of tariffs, leading to customer refunds and increased communication about potential tariff costs [13][14]