Small Businesses Await Clarity from Supreme Court Tariff Case
Across Central Florida, many small business owners are closely following a Supreme Court case that could reshape U.S. trade policy. The justices are set to decide whether President Donald Trump has the authority to impose tariffs without first obtaining congressional approval.
Impact on Local Manufacturers
Companies such as Freshorize, which produces soaps, lotions, and airplane cleaning products, are feeling the strain. Their operations director, Rebecca Dobo, described how shifting trade rules have hurt profit margins and constrained growth.
“Anytime you fly and you see soap, know it happens right here in Florida,” said Rebecca Dobo, director of operations at Freshorize USA.
Freshorize counts Delta and United Airlines among its major clients. The company’s patented formulations require specialized machinery and expertise not currently available in the United States, forcing them to outsource production to China.
Rising Costs and Limited Options
Tariffs on their imported goods have risen sharply—up to 55 percent—significantly eroding profitability. Dobo explained that this increase has hindered efforts to relocate operations back to the U.S.
“We are probably paying almost double what we have historically in tariffs, which has significantly cut into our bottom line and limits our ability to bring manufacturing into the states because now that profit is not there that we could reinvest here,” said Dobo.
Freshorize is now considering other suppliers, though finding appropriate manufacturing partners is a complex and slow process, especially for a small business.
Outlook
The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision could bring long-awaited clarity to small businesses like Freshorize, which rely on predictable trade policies to plan for growth and sustainability.
Author’s summary: Small manufacturers in Florida await a Supreme Court ruling that could clarify President Trump’s tariff powers and ease financial pressure caused by high import duties.