Can’t Keep Up With Tariffs? This Bookmark-Worthy Chart Will Save Your Sanity

Trade policy whiplash? Here’s how to know what tariffs are real—and which ones are just political drama

If you're sourcing materials, importing products, or shipping goods internationally—there’s a good chance tariffs have already messed with your margins. And if you’re not sure whether you’re paying too much, not enough, or about to get hit with surprise fees... you’re not alone.

Trade policy under President Trump has been changing almost daily, and it’s giving small businesses everywhere serious spreadsheet fatigue.

What’s Happening Now?

April 2 has been dubbed “Liberation Day” by former President Trump—the day he said the U.S. would start enforcing reciprocal tariffs on key trading partners.

Think:

• China 🇨🇳

• Canada 🍁

• Mexico 🇲🇽

• The European Union 🇪🇺

• Venezuela 🇻🇪

  
  

That means the U.S. is responding to trade restrictions from other countries by adding tariffs of its own. But here's the kicker: some of these tariffs are active, while others are just threats (for now).

Why It Matters to Handmade Sellers + Product-Based Brands

If you're bringing in:

• Raw materials

• Packaging

• Alcohol or oils (hello, perfumers and candle makers)

• Finished goods from abroad

• Or working with a U.S.-based supplier who is...

  
  

You might be paying extra in duties and tariffs—and not even know it.Or worse, you could be owed a refund for fees you shouldn’t have paid.

The Solution: A Chart You Need to Bookmark

Thankfully, Supply Chain Dive created a beautifully simple (and shockingly not boring) chart to help you stay on top of it all.

The chart breaks it down by:

• Country or governing body

• What’s being targeted

• The action taken

• Whether it’s active or just a threat

👉 Bookmark this for your business toolkit:📌 Trump Tariff Tracker Chart

How to Use This Info In Your Business

Here’s how to make this info work for you (and not just live in a forgotten browser tab):

1. Know what’s impacted.Are your ingredients, tools, or packaging subject to new duties? Check your supply chain.

2. Ask your suppliers.Don’t assume they’ll tell you. Ask if any recent price increases are tariff-related.

3. Talk to your bookkeeper or CPA.Some duties may be refundable. You may also need to update your cost-of-goods if you’re absorbing new fees.

4. Update your pricing strategy.If your profit margins are getting squeezed, it’s time to reassess pricing—or offer smaller, more accessible versions of higher-cost items.

5. Communicate with your customers.Price changes? Shipping delays? Be transparent. Customers respect honesty—and it sets you apart.

Final Thought

Tariffs aren’t just big business problems—they’re small business disruptors. But you don’t need to be a policy expert to protect your profit.

Stay informed.Use the tools available.And bookmark the chart that keeps your margins safe.

Need help adjusting pricing or sourcing alternatives? Let’s talk strategy—this is where handmade gets smart. :)