Tariffs, Trade Wars and… Tiny Wins?

You’ve probably heard something about the trade war going on in the US during Trump’s presidency — tariffs flying back and forth between the US, China, the EU, and a few others. It’s been a bit of a political punch-up over who can charge more for what, and while most of the headlines make it sound like it’s the end of the world, it might not all be bad news. In fact, for some small businesses here in the UK, it could be a bit of an opportunity.

Basically, Trump’s administration introduced tariffs on loads of imported goods, mainly from China, but also other countries. China hit back with their own tariffs, and suddenly it’s more expensive for US companies to get certain materials and products from abroad.

So now, American buyers are looking for alternatives. They still need packaging, components, raw materials — but they want them without the extra cost! That’s where we come in.

Here’s the thing: the UK hasn’t been as heavily targeted in this trade scrap. So while other countries are caught up in tit-for-tat tariffs, we’re on the side-lines — and that makes us a bit more attractive to American buyers looking for reliable suppliers.

If you’re a small business making packaging, printed materials, or anything that could go in a supply chain, now might be a good time to look west!

• New export markets – With US buyers avoiding China or EU-made goods, they might be more open to sourcing from the UK. Even small businesses can take advantage of this with the right setup!

• Less competition – Some of the big players who usually dominate global supply might be tied up in tariffs. That gives smaller UK companies a better shot at getting noticed!

• Premium branding – “Made in the UK” still carries weight overseas. If you’ve got good quality products and can shout about it properly, that could turn heads in the US!

1. Look into export support – The UK Government has schemes to help small businesses start exporting. Might be worth a look.
   
   
2. Get listed internationally – Make sure your products are online and easy to find by overseas buyers. Sites like Alibaba, Faire, or even just a smart website with US shipping options could go a long way!
   
   
3. Target US buyers directly – Reach out to businesses in the US that might be struggling with tariff-related costs. You never know who’s looking for a new supplier!
   
   
4. Think about pricing – If you’re not dealing with tariffs, that gives you an edge. Price competitively, but make sure your quality still stands out!

The global economy’s a bit of a rollercoaster at the best of times — and this trade war isn’t helping. But while the big lads are throwing punches, there’s a chance for small businesses to sneak in and grab a bit of the spotlight.

It’s not about becoming the next Amazon overnight. It’s about spotting the gap, offering a solid product, and being ready when someone across the pond starts looking for a better deal!

So if you’re in packaging, manufacturing, or even design, keep your eye on what’s happening — and think about how your business could fit into the bigger picture. You might be surprised what doors open when others are busy arguing.