Small Businesses Await Supreme Court Tariff Decision
Across Central Florida, small business owners are closely following a Supreme Court case that could reshape trade policy. The Court will soon decide whether President Donald Trump can impose tariffs without congressional authorization.
For many small manufacturers, especially those dealing with international supply chains, the outcome could have major financial consequences. One such company is Freshorize, a Florida-based firm producing cleaning products and personal care items used on airplanes.
“Anytime you fly and you see soap, know it happens right here in Florida,” said Rebecca Dobo, Director of Operations at Freshorize USA.
The company partners with major carriers like Delta and United Airlines. However, producing its patented products requires specialized machinery not currently available in the United States, forcing much of its manufacturing to take place in China.
“The capabilities, the machinery that are required are just not in the states at the moment,” Dobo explained.
After recent tariff increases on Chinese goods, Freshorize’s costs rose steeply.
“We are probably paying almost double what we have historically in tariffs, which has significantly cut into our bottom line and limits our capability to bring manufacturing into the states because now that profit is not there that we could reinvest here,” Dobo said.
The company is now exploring alternative manufacturing locations, though shifting operations is a complex process for a small business.
Author’s Summary
Florida small businesses await a Supreme Court ruling on President Trump’s tariff powers, hoping for relief from soaring costs that threaten local manufacturing expansion.