Small businesses across Asia and their international partners are grappling with escalating uncertainty as intermittent U.S. tariffs destabilize established supply chains. The volatility threatens operations for companies reliant on imports for manufacturing and distribution, particularly those connecting production hubs in Asia to North American markets.
Multiple business owners report struggling to predict costs amid shifting trade policies, with profit margins narrowing due to abrupt tariff implementations. A garment exporter in Vietnam described the situation as 'like building on quicksand,' while a Los Angeles-based tech component importer told CGTN’s Ediz Tiyansan that inventory planning has become 'a high-stakes guessing game.'
The disruptions highlight growing risks for niche manufacturers and cross-border SMEs that form the backbone of regional economies. Analysts observe particular strain on industries requiring just-in-time deliveries, from automotive parts to consumer electronics. This comes as trade-dependent economies across Southeast Asia report increased stockpiling of critical materials – a costly buffer against policy fluctuations.
