“There’s a shell shock for the business community”
Mark, a Florida-based importer of goods from Asia and Europe, describes how Trump-era tariffs and broader political instability have disrupted his business. Retailers like Mark are buying less due to price uncertainty, fearing consumers won’t pay inflated prices. The compounded effect of tariffs, immigration policy, and political turmoil has created a sense of “shell shock” in the business community, leading to widespread hesitation and a slowdown in economic activity.