Small Businesses Seek Clarity in Supreme Court Tariff Case
Small business owners across Central Florida are watching closely as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a major case on Wednesday about whether President Donald Trump can impose tariffs without congressional approval. Many hope the decision will bring clarity after years of uncertainty.
Impact on Local Companies
At Freshorize, a company that produces soaps, lotions, and cleaning products used on airplanes, tariffs have already made a strong impact. According to Rebecca Dobo, the director of operations at Freshorize USA, much of the company’s manufacturing happens in China—where tariffs recently rose to 55%.
“Anytime you fly and you see soap, know it happens right here in Florida,” said Rebecca Dobo.
Dobo explained that producing their patented products requires specialized machinery and expertise that are currently limited in the United States. This dependence on overseas production has become more costly.
“We are probably paying almost double what we have historically in tariffs, which has significantly cut into our bottom line and limits our capability to bring manufacturing into the states,” Dobo said.
Exploring Alternatives
Freshorize has begun to explore alternative manufacturing partners as part of its long-term strategy, but Dobo noted that shifting production is not simple for a small business with niche expertise and equipment needs.
Author Summary
Small Florida manufacturers like Freshorize watch the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling closely, hoping for relief from high costs that threaten their global supply chains and U.S. reinvestment plans.