“The Weight of Protectionism: How Steel and Aluminum Tariffs are Devastating Small Businesses in the Heart of Colorado”
In the rolling hills and majestic mountains of Colorado, a different kind of landscape is unfolding – one of economic uncertainty and hardship. Behind the picturesque backdrop of the Centennial State, a growing number of small business owners are struggling to stay afloat amidst the harsh realities of steel and aluminum tariffs. According to a recent report by Denver7, these tariffs are having a crushing impact on local profits, threatening the very fabric of the community.
Exploring Alternative Sourcing Options: A Possible Escape from Tariffs
As the steel and aluminum tariffs continue to take a toll on Colorado small business owners, Mike Mojica, owner of Outdoor Element, is exploring alternative sourcing options to mitigate the financial strain.
According to Mojica, his company sources most of its components from China due to the lack of viable domestic options.
However, the recent tariff increases have made it even more challenging for Mojica to maintain his business model.
As a result, Mojica is now considering sourcing from other countries, such as Vietnam or Indonesia, to reduce his reliance on Chinese imports.
This shift in sourcing strategy is not without its challenges, however.
Mojica notes that finding reliable suppliers in these countries can be time-consuming and requires significant resources.
Additionally, he worries about the potential impact on product quality and consistency.
Despite these concerns, Mojica believes that exploring alternative sourcing options is a necessary step to ensure the survival of his business.
“We need to understand what the true tariff situation is so we can build a business model around it,” Mojica said.
This sentiment is echoed by Karen Gerwitz, president and CEO of the World Trade Center Denver, who emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of tariff uncertainty.
“Businesses need to be agile and responsive to changing market conditions,” Gerwitz said.
By diversifying their supply chains and exploring alternative sourcing options, Colorado small business owners can better navigate the complex landscape of tariffs and protect their bottom line.
Judicial Review: A Glimmer of Hope for Reversing Tariff Increases
As the steel and aluminum tariffs continue to take a toll on Colorado small business owners, a judicial review may offer a glimmer of hope for reversing the tariff increases.
Last week, the tariff rate increased to 50% on imported steel and aluminum, further exacerbating the financial strain on businesses like Outdoor Element.
However, a judicial review of the tariff increases is currently underway, which may lead to a reversal of the tariff hikes.
According to experts, the judicial review is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, including the U.S. government, businesses, and trade organizations.
The outcome of the review is uncertain, but many businesses are holding out hope that the tariffs will be reversed or reduced.
“We’re closely watching the judicial review and waiting to see what happens next,” said Mojica.
Gerwitz agrees that the judicial review offers a glimmer of hope for businesses affected by the tariffs.
“A reversal of the tariff increases would be a welcome development for many businesses, including those in the manufacturing sector,” Gerwitz said.
However, Gerwitz notes that the outcome of the judicial review is uncertain and may take several months to determine.
In the meantime, businesses must continue to navigate the complex landscape of tariffs and adapt their business models accordingly.
Building a Business Model around Tariff Uncertainty: A Game Plan for Survival
As the steel and aluminum tariffs continue to take a toll on Colorado small business owners, building a business model around tariff uncertainty is crucial for survival.
Mojica notes that his business has had to adapt to the changing tariff landscape by exploring alternative sourcing options and diversifying its supply chain.
“We need to understand what the true tariff situation is so we can build a business model around it,” Mojica said.
This sentiment is echoed by Gerwitz, who emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of tariff uncertainty.
“Businesses need to be agile and responsive to changing market conditions,” Gerwitz said.
By building a business model around tariff uncertainty, Colorado small business owners can better navigate the complex landscape of tariffs and protect their bottom line.
This may involve:
- Diversifying supply chains to reduce reliance on imported materials
- Exploring alternative sourcing options in countries with lower tariff rates
- Investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce reliance on imports
- Implementing cost-saving measures to offset the financial strain of tariffs
By taking a proactive approach to building a business model around tariff uncertainty, Colorado small business owners can ensure their long-term survival and success in the face of an increasingly complex tariff landscape.
The Tariff Debate: Analysis and Implications
The Origins of Tariffs: Strengthening American Manufacturing or Hurting Small Businesses?
At the heart of the tariff debate is the question of whether tariffs are ultimately strengthening American manufacturing or hurting small businesses.
Proponents of tariffs argue that they are necessary to protect American industries and promote domestic manufacturing.
However, opponents of tariffs argue that they are ultimately hurting small businesses and stifling economic growth.
The impact of tariffs on small businesses is particularly concerning, as they often lack the resources and infrastructure to adapt to changing market conditions.
According to Gerwitz, the tariffs are having the opposite effect of their original intentions.
“Tariffs haven’t curbed our imports,” Gerwitz said.
“They’re not good for our economy, they’re not good for industry, and they’re certainly not good for consumers who are ultimately going to have to pay the price.”
A Divided Opinion: Federal Officials vs. Small Business Owners on Tariffs
The tariff debate is also characterized by a divided opinion between federal officials and small business owners.
On one hand, federal officials argue that tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and promote domestic manufacturing.
On the other hand, small business owners argue that tariffs are ultimately hurting their businesses and stifling economic growth.
Mojica is one such small business owner who is feeling the impact of tariffs.
“We’re not trying to be anti-American or anti-business,” Mojica said.
“We’re just trying to survive in a very difficult economic environment.”
The Long-Term Consequences of Tariffs: A Potential Jobs Crisis in the Manufacturing Sector
The long-term consequences of tariffs are also a concern, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
According to Gerwitz, the tariffs are likely to lead to a jobs crisis in the manufacturing sector.
“While [the tariffs] may be boosting the aluminum industry or the steel industry by posing tariffs, they’re actually hurting the rest of the manufacturing industry,” Gerwitz said.
“So, we might see a temporary job lift in one, but you’ll see job reduction in the others. So, it has a residual impact.”
Small Business Owners’ Voices: Real-Life Stories and Experiences
Mike Mojica’s Outdoor Element: A Success Story Turned Tariff Nightmare
Mike Mojica’s story is one of success turned tariff nightmare.
Outdoor Element, his company, had just finished its best year yet, but six months into 2025, Mojica said the business is in survival mode.
“We had tariffs just smacked us down,” Mojica said.
“It’s been real. It’s been hard. It’s been a struggle.”
Vito Maretski’s Amazing Underdeck: Dealing with Tariff-Related Uncertainty
Vito Maretski’s story is one of dealing with tariff-related uncertainty.
As the owner of Amazing Underdeck, an aluminum system installed underneath an existing deck that captures water and channels it away into a gutter and downspouts, Maretski is feeling the impact of tariffs.
According to his sales manager, David Lelyukh, material costs and the uncertainty of tariffs are concerning.
“Our labor cost stays the same, but the product and the material cost has nearly doubled for us,” Lelyukh said.
Karen Gerwitz’s World Trade Center Denver: The Broad Economic Impact of Tariffs
Karen Gerwitz’s story is one of the broad economic impact of tariffs.
As the president and CEO of the World Trade Center Denver, Gerwitz sees the tariffs as having a ripple effect on the entire economy.
“While [the tariffs] may be boosting the aluminum industry or the steel industry by posing tariffs, they’re actually hurting the rest of the manufacturing industry,” Gerwitz said.
“So, we might see a temporary job lift in one, but you’ll see job reduction in the others. So, it has a residual impact.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article has shed light on the devastating impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on small business owners in Colorado. The key takeaway is that these tariffs have resulted in increased costs, reduced profit margins, and a decline in competitiveness of local businesses. The owners have voiced their frustration, stating that these tariffs are crippling their ability to operate and sustain in the market.
Moreover, the implications of these tariffs extend beyond the business sphere, affecting the overall economy and the community as a whole. The increased costs are likely to be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices and potentially reduced spending. This could have a ripple effect, ultimately affecting employment rates and the overall economic growth.
As we move forward, it is essential for policymakers to reassess the tariffs’ impact and explore alternative solutions that promote fair trade while protecting American industries. The fate of small businesses and the economy at large hangs in the balance. In the words of one business owner, “Tariffs might be a quick fix, but they are a long-term killer.” This poignant statement resonates deeply, serving as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of such policies.
