Northbrook small business joins national campaign against tariffs

February 18, 2026 - 05:40

A small business from Northbrook has aligned itself with a major national coalition opposing increased tariffs. The company is part of the newly formed "Small Businesses Against Tariffs" campaign, a $5 million initiative designed to amplify the voices of Main Street enterprises on the issue.

The campaign argues that tariffs function as hidden taxes, ultimately paid by American consumers through higher prices. Furthermore, it highlights the severe strain tariffs place on small business owners, who often cannot absorb the increased costs of imported materials and components. This financial pressure can lead to difficult choices, including raising prices for customers, reducing employee hours, or halting plans for growth and hiring.

The Northbrook firm's participation underscores the widespread concern felt at the local level. Business owners contend that while aiming to protect certain industries, broad tariffs inadvertently punish a vast swath of the American economy. The coalition seeks to educate policymakers and the public on the tangible, day-to-day consequences of trade policies, advocating for solutions that do not place a disproportionate burden on small businesses and the families they serve.