With the looming tariffs and trade policy changes proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, many businesses have growing concerns regarding how these uncertainties may affect their future financial health.
As the Trump administration states, these tariffs aim to encourage the production and purchase of American-based products. However, some companies have depended on foreign-made goods for years.
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With less than 90 days until the global tariffs kick in, these companies fear that the high duties will force them to either raise prices and continue sourcing from abroad or figure out a way to obtain locally made alternatives while on a tight deadline to hopefully mitigate the negative effects.
Although big and small companies remain concerned about these uncertainties, most independently owned businesses have been ahead of the game by sourcing locally for many years, even before the tariffs were a topic of conversation.
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Everyone knows the e-tail giants Amazon (AMZN) , Walmart (WMT) , Shein, and Temu host marketplaces on their platforms, allowing third-party sellers to sell their products.
However, Etsy has had local independent business owners’ backs for years.
Founded in 2005 in Brooklyn, New York, Etsy is an online marketplace that hosts millions of sellers and buyers worldwide. This e-tailer rose to fame for supporting independent business owners by allowing them to sell their products, earn income, and spread their unique creations to broader audiences.
Etsy encourages consumers to shop local.
Image source: Getty Images
Etsy encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses
Etsy (ETSY) CEO Josh Silverman is encouraging shoppers to buy local products to help mitigate the effects of the newly proposed trade policies and tariffs in the U.S., as the global supply chain, prices, and ability to meet consumer demand remain uncertain.
In a post to the Etsy community, Silverman emphasizes the importance of shopping from small or local businesses to help prevent disruptions and reduce risks, allowing them to continue growing.
To make this task as easy for consumers as possible, Etsy is developing curated shopping pages and highlighting local sellers to create awareness and help customers discover new businesses they may have never encountered otherwise.
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Most businesses on Etsy are small and managed by one person. According to the 2024 Global Seller Census, the e-tailer hosts around 5.6 million entrepreneurs. Approximately 89% of these businesses are run by a single owner, and 97% operate from their homes.
These sellers usually source all supplies domestically, avoiding complex overseas production lines and fulfillment requirements, some of the main factors that now threaten big companies relying on foreign-made goods or purchasing products from overseas.
“As these changes unfold, we remain committed to delivering a seamless experience: helping our buyers shop with confidence and empowering our sellers to run their businesses with as little disruption as possible,” said Etsy CEO Josh Silverman in the post.
Etsy supports sellers with tools to better navigate tariffs and trade policies
To help Etsy sellers understand the new tariff and trade policy changes, the e-tailer provides free tools, education, and guidance to help them navigate these uncertain times and keep their businesses strong.
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Etsy will also amplify sellers’ voices by allowing them to advocate for public policies they support, so they can share them with the community.
“We are continuing to monitor regulatory changes and are ready to support our community so we can continue to keep commerce human together,” said Silverman.
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