Tariff tales: Small business, big burden

The American news outlet CNBC has released the results of a recent survey (conducted April 21–25) among 2,257 self-identified small business owners in the United States.

According to the study, 66 percent of small business owners report that they have already been affected by US trade tariffs introduced by the administration of Donald Trump, or anticipate being affected in the near future.

Only 30 percent of small business owners view the current US economy positively, describing it as excellent or good, while the remaining 70 percent consider it to be fair or poor. Significantly, 70 percent of respondents believe the US is on track to enter a recession.

In addition, 51 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's performance as president. An equal percentage – 51 percent – also anticipated that upcoming changes in trade policy would negatively affect their businesses over the next year.