5 @ 5 @ 5: Tariffs & Trade Hit Small Business

Delivering the world’s most important small business stories before your first coffee.

✍️ George Moen, Founder-Publisher | WBN Global News | April 25, 2025

Tariffs dominate the headlines in Canada, the U.S., and globally, leaving small businesses to adapt to rising costs, uncertain demand, and shifting supply chains. From economic contraction in Canada to legal challenges in the U.S. and exporters worldwide facing chaos, today's roundup highlights the pressure and resilience of entrepreneurs in a turbulent 2025.

📌 At A Glance

Canadian small business outlook plunges amid tariffs and new economic headwinds
U.S. entrepreneurs challenge tariffs in court, bracing for supply and price shocks
International exporters rethink U.S. and global strategies as trade wars intensify
Tariff tracking, digital taxes, and economic warnings top today’s agenda
Owners everywhere are seeking new ways to adapt, compete, and survive

🇨🇦 CANADA

1. Canadian Economy to Contract in Q2 2025 as Tariffs Weigh on Small Businesses
Source: CFIB, April 24, 2025
Rising tariffs are hitting Canadian small businesses hard, leading analysts to predict a rare economic contraction in the second quarter.

2. Canadian Small Businesses Face Sharp Downturn Ahead, CFIB Warns
Source: Yahoo Finance, April 24, 2025
With consumer confidence waning and costs rising, business groups warn that the worst may come for Main Street.

3. Some Canadian Stores Are Labeling U.S. Imports With a 'T' for 'Tariffs' — and Buyers Are Snapping Up Alternatives
Source: Business Insider, April 25, 2025
Canadian retailers are marking U.S. goods to highlight tariff costs, fueling a surge in local and alternative products.

4. Canada's Economy Is Starting to Crack Under Trade-War Pressure
Source: Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2025
A Bank of Canada survey reveals growing inflation and business concerns as trade tensions escalate.

5. Digital Services Tax Act (Canada)
Source: Wikipedia, April 25, 2025
Canada’s new digital tax adds complexity for tech-focused small businesses, especially those operating internationally.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES

1. Small-Business Coalition the Latest to Challenge Trump Tariffs in Court
Source: InsideTrade, April 25, 2025
A group of business owners has launched a new legal battle, arguing recent tariffs threaten their survival.

2. The Worst Is Yet to Come: Trump’s Tariffs Could Mean Even Higher Prices and Empty Shelves Within Weeks
Source: Business Insider, April 25, 2025
Economists warn that small businesses—and their customers—may soon see significant price spikes and shortages.

3. US Small Business Confidence Drops, Economic Outlook Dims
Source: Reuters, April 25, 2025
A sharp dip in confidence and future expectations signals a tough road ahead for entrepreneurs nationwide.

4. ‘Applications Are Surging’: Small Business Administration Reports Significant Growth in Loan Approvals
Source: Entrepreneur, April 25, 2025
While uncertainty grows, more owners turn to SBA loans to weather the storm.

5. April 2025 Small Business Data Outlook
Source: Detroit Regional Chamber, April 25, 2025
Regional reports show uneven impact, with some sectors battered while others show signs of adaptation.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL

1. UK Entrepreneurs Sound Alarm Over Tariffs Hit to Small Businesses
Source: Financial Times, April 25, 2025
British business owners voice urgent concerns as tariff battles threaten imports and exports.

2. Overseas Buyers Line Up to Hear Pitches from Small Exporters
Source: The Times, April 25, 2025
Small companies seize new opportunities as global buyers seek fresh supply chain partners.

3. Some European Companies Question US Expansion Amid Tariff Chaos
Source: Reuters, April 25, 2025
European firms weigh the risks of U.S. market entry as trade policies grow more volatile.

4. Chinese Designers Rethink US Ambitions in Light of Tariffs
Source: Vogue Business, April 25, 2025
Fashion entrepreneurs in China are shifting focus away from the U.S. amid rising barriers.

5. Business Forced to Play Long Game Over Economic Leadership
Source: The Australian, April 25, 2025
SMEs across Asia-Pacific emphasize the need for political and economic stability to navigate uncertainty.

Watch List – Developing Stories To Keep An Eye On

New U.S. regulations for small business online agreements (NFIB, April 25)
Major supply chain pivots in Asia (Bloomberg, April 24)
Startup funding shakeup in Europe (TechCrunch, April 24)
Carbon price changes in Canada (Canada.ca, April 24)
India’s MSME export growth (Economic Times, April 24)

George Moen – Founder & Publisher, WBN News
📧 gmoen@wbnn.news

TAGS: #5 @ 5 #Canada #United States #International #Small Business #Tariffs #Trade