Trump's Tariffs Wreak Havoc on Small Businesses, Economy

Washington state's small business owners and Senator Patty Murray are sounding the alarm about the devastating impact of President Trump's tariffs on their industries and the overall economy. The effective tariff rate in America is at a 17.4 percent, the highest since 1935, and the latest analysis finds that Trump's tariffs will likely increase the number of Americans living in poverty by 875,000 in 2026.

In a roundtable discussion with small business owners in Vancouver, Senator Murray emphasized the need for Congress to act and put an end to the chaos caused by Trump's tariffs. The senator highlighted the stories of local business owners who are struggling to stay afloat due to the rising costs and uncertainty caused by the tariffs.

**Key Takeaways:**

• The current effective tariff rate in America is 17.4 percent, the highest since 1935, according to the Yale Budget Lab analysis.
• Trump's tariffs will likely increase the number of Americans living in poverty by 875,000 in 2026, as reported by the Yale Budget Lab analysis.
• Washington state's trade-dependent economy, with 40 percent of its jobs tied to international commerce, is severely impacted by the ongoing trade war.
• Local business owners in Vancouver, such as Sonny Mouy of Short and Sweet Boba and Banh mi shop, are facing challenges in staying afloat due to rising costs and tariffs.
• The tariffs are affecting various industries, including footwear, coffee, and fashion retail, with Alan O'Hara of When the Shoe Fits, Marty Lopes of Terrain Coffee, and Ann Matthews of Arktana/Bigfoot Mountain Outfitters sharing their struggles.
• Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump's trade war and has called on Republicans to end it, highlighting the devastating impact on Washington state's economy and businesses, including agriculture.

**Statistics:**

• 40 percent: The percentage of Washington state jobs tied to international commerce, making its economy heavily dependent on trade.
• 875,000: The projected increase in Americans living in poverty in 2026 due to Trump's tariffs, as reported by the Yale Budget Lab analysis.
• 17.4 percent: The current effective tariff rate in America, the highest since 1935.
• $57.8 billion: The value of goods Washington state exported to the world in 2024, making it the 9th-largest state exporter of goods last year.

**Sources:**

• Yale Budget Lab
• Washington State Office of Financial Management
• Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
• Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
• Senator Patty Murray's office