Import taxes on Chinese goods are up to 145%. As trade negotiations are on the horizon. Minnesota manufacturing companies feel the pressure.
Marissa Held-Nordling spends a lot of time in front of her sewing machine, creating children's clothing and arcs for her small business, Little Roos Children's Boutique in Chaska, Minnesota.
“After my children went to bed, I sew sometimes for two to three hours,” said Held-Nordling.
While each piece is designed and sewn in Chaska, most of its raw materials come from China.
“In addition to inflation, then being struck by prices, it was certainly a hard blow for small businesses like mine,” she said.
Little Roos avoided the increase in tax by 145% until this month, falling under an umbrella of exemptions of less than $ 800.
“I ordered through our July 4 fabrics. After that, everything is a bit in the air,” she said.
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Held-Nordling says that it is not only his business that takes up. This also has an impact on community partners, manufacturers and minnesota authors that she provides in her store in store.
“There will be a large gap of empty shelves, for sure,” she said. “I mean, the sellers have already told me that it was going to happen.”
Sellers like Busy Baby, a company based in Zumbrota which is based on manufacturing abroad. Beth Benike, the business person of the year in 2025 in Minnesota, heads a busy baby.
“I may have two months left in my warehouse in Minnesota, and when it disappeared, I have no more income,” said Benike.
It turns to legislators in Washington DC and crowdfunding to help “survive the tariff crisis”.
The two entrepreneurs work through challenges that they cannot control.
“I really hope it takes place to the point where in six weeks, I will not have to face a decision of what we are going to do,” said Held-Nordling.
Trade discussions between the United States and China will resume on Saturday.
Leone beret
