The Global Five: Biz Buzz Before Breakfast Wednesday, April 9, 2025

From auto tariffs and platform seller struggles to nationwide retail shutdowns and pricing upheavals, Today’s headlines show how shifting global policies are squeezing small businesses from every direction.

At A Glance:

• Canada slaps 25% tariffs on U.S. auto imports starting today
• Party City shutters all U.S. corporate-owned locations
• Amazon and Etsy sellers face cost spikes and delays
• The majority of CFOs are renegotiating supplier contracts due to tariffs
• U.S. small businesses freeze orders and hike prices amid trade crisis

1. Canada Imposes 25% Tariffs on Certain U.S. Auto Imports Starting April 9

Source: Reuters | Region: Canada
Canada has enacted a 25% tariff on U.S.-made vehicle imports in retaliation for Suppliers, event-based solopreneurs, and local contractors who relied on Party City’s retail footprint to drive business will feel the ripple effect of tariffs on Canadian automotive exports.

Why It Matters:
Small auto suppliers, logistics businesses, and parts distributors across Canada and border towns are bracing for higher costs, disrupted inventory, and reduced cross-border orders.

2. Party City Announces Closure of All Corporate-Owned U.S. Stores

Source: Wikipedia | Region: United States
In a move signaling massive retail consolidation, Party City will shut down all U.S. corporate locations, exiting brick-and-mortar entirely.

Why It Matters:
Suppliers, event-based solopreneurs, and local contractors who relied on Party City’s retail footprint to drive business will feel the ripple effect, .

3. Amazon and Etsy Sellers Grapple with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Delays

Source: Business Insider | Region: Global / U.S. / U.K.
Tariffs and port slowdowns have driven up production and import costs for platform sellers, Most of whom run single-owner brands or micro-enterprises.

Why It Matters:
This is a direct hit to small, independent sellers who rely on affordable international manufacturing to stay competitive in the global e-commerce space.

4. Survey: 65% of CFOs Engaged in Supplier Negotiations Due to Tariffs

Source: PYMNTS | Region: United States
Most CFOs at mid-sized businesses are renegotiating vendor agreements as tariffs squeeze margins and destabilize pricing.

Why It Matters:
Solo entrepreneurs and small businesses should follow this lead: proactively revisiting contracts and pricing could be the key to survival this quarter.

5. U.S. Tariffs Force Small Businesses to Raise Prices and Halt Overseas Orders

Source: NY Post | Region: United States
With new tariffs exceeding 100% on imports from China and Vietnam, small U.S. businesses are freezing orders, slashing staff, and preparing for steep losses.

Why It Matters:
Many small businesses lack the cash flow or volume to absorb rising costs. This could lead to mass closures, especially in retail, apparel, and manufacturing.

WBN News Team

Watch List – Developing Stories To Keep An Eye On

• U.S. Small Business Optimism Drops for Third Straight Month
  Source: Reuters | Region: United States
• Canadian Small Business Optimism Hits 25-Year Low
  Source: BNN Bloomberg | Region: Canada
• Irish Exporters Hit Hard by New U.S. Trade Tariffs
  Source: The Times | Region: Ireland
• Menswear Retailers Hit Hard as Material Costs Surge from Tariffs
  Source: GQ | Region: U.S. / Global Fashion Markets
• Jo-Ann Stores to Close All 800 Locations Amid Financial Struggles
  Source: Wikipedia | Region: United States
• Australian SMEs Express Concern Over Global Trade Tensions
  Source: The Australian | Region: Australia
• One in Five Small Businesses at Risk Under Tariff-Driven Economy
  Source: PYMNTS | Region: United States
• Ontario Announces C$11 Billion Relief Package for Businesses Affected by Tariffs
  Source: Reuters | Region: Canada
• Canadian Small Businesses Concerned Amid Food Shortages and Tariffs
  Source: CTV News | Region: Canada
• Women-Led Fashion Brands Scramble to Adapt to Global Tariff Fallout
  Source: Marie Claire | Region: United States / Europe / Asia

Tags:
#Small Biz Watch #Retail Collapse #Trade War Impact #Platform Sellers #Canada Tariffs #WBN Biz Buzz