FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2025
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND FARMERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY SHARE IMPACT OF TRUMP TARIFFS AHEAD OF SUPREME COURT ARGUMENTS
Yesterday, ahead of the Supreme Court arguments happening today, November 5, small business owners and farmers from across the country shared how tariffs are impacting their operations and hurting their customers.
The Trump Administration’s across-the-board tariffs are raising prices for consumers, increasing costs for businesses, and forcing small businesses to make difficult choices about their future. Since April, the Administration has imposed across-the-board tariffs of 10%–50% on nearly all imports, with higher rates for dozens of countries and industries. The average tariff rate now tops 17.9%, the highest since 1934.
In addition to the added costs from the tariffs, the constant changes in tariff rates and trade policy is creating intense disruption and economic uncertainty for business owners across industries.
New York Times: Tariffs Are Here to Stay, Even if the Supreme Court Rules Against Trump
Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation farmer who grows corn, soybeans, oats and hay in central Iowa and serves as the president of the Iowa Farmers’ Union, said he was hopeful that the Supreme Court case could highlight the need for Congress to be an independent check on the president.
At a news conference on Tuesday featuring small businesses and farmers, Mr. Lehman said he was concerned about the president finding other ways to impose his tariffs. But he added that he believed the Supreme Court decision would highlight the need for Congress and elected leaders to reassert their authority, “so that we can return to a more pragmatic trade approach.”
The Palm Beach Post: Trump headlines America Business Forum along with Lionel Messi, Nobel Peace Prize winner
A campaign opposing the administration’s actions, Tariffs Cost US, alleges the duties are “raising prices for consumers, increasing costs for businesses, and forcing small businesses to make difficult choices” and calculates the average tariff rate now tops 17.9%, the highest since 1934.
But Craig Belden of Tariffs Cost US said more than dollars are stake.
“The outcome will not only reshape U.S. trade policy but alter the balance of power between Congress and the White House defining how far a president can go in using emergency powers to make major economic decisions,” said Belden. “These legal questions have real consequences for small businesses and American families.
Progressive Farmer: Supreme Court to Weigh Tariff Power
Separately, the group Tariffs Cost US held a press call with farmers and other small business owners from across the country to highlight how tariffs have affected their ability to import, price and sell their products, and grow their businesses. An organic farmer, a coffee shop owner, the CEO of a promotional imprint company and a flower shop owner were among those who talked about higher costs.
“These across-the-board tariffs have had a real impact on small farmers like mine,” said Mary Carroll Dodd, a farmer in western North Carolina.
A coffee shop owner in Detroit said Brazilian coffee prices had already skyrocketed more than 60% because of a poor crop and then 50% tariffs were imposed. He said he has no option but to raise prices on customers.
Aaron Lehman, president of Iowa Farmers Union, said his members were already facing higher input costs before the tariffs were implemented.
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About Tariffs Cost US
Tariffs Cost US is a new campaign dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. More information is available at https://tariffscostus.com/.
