As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, logistics strategist Weston Labar explains how a wild year in tariff policy has impacted companies servicing U.S. ports.
The latest 90-day pause on higher tariffs are causing more stress than relief for some business owners.
Midsize businesses are more likely to either absorb the cost of tariffs or pass them along to their customers.
“It feels like it’s been psychological torture,” said Daniella Velazquez de León, general manager of Organics Unlimited.
Whether they’re paying more to import bananas, ship furniture or change suppliers, it all involves paying more — after a long bout of inflation.
Firms that import goods are returning to pandemic-era strategies to brace their businesses against delays and higher shipping costs.
The greenback’s strength has made it tough for U.S. businesses to compete overseas.
Foreign vendors often prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars instead of their local currencies. Others are adding energy surcharges.
