Tariffs, Tensions & Tough Calls: What Every Female Entrepreneur Needs to Know Right Now

So, you left your 9-to-5 to build something on your own terms - freedom, fulfillment, flexibility. But lately, it’s felt like you’ve traded performance reviews for 24/7 panic refreshes on global news. 

Yes, global trade is tense right now. Yes, tariffs on everything from EVs to textiles are squeezing profits. Supply chains are messy, and inflation? Playing hopscotch with your margins. So, what now?

At SKHB, we’re not here to sell you silver linings - we’re here to help you build shockproof strategies.And before you roll your eyes and write this off as naïve optimism, let us be clear:

We’re sanguine, not sentimental. Why? Because history shows the most resilient businesses aren’t born in calm waters - they’re forged in storms like the one we’re currently in.

But here’s what no one’s saying: this isn’t just a crisis - it’s a forced clarity check. A chance to pause, audit what’s shaky in your business, and rebuild with precision.  

And before you start Googling “Can I start drop-shipping handmade ceramics from my living room?” Just breathe…

In this guide, we’re breaking down:

• What the latest global trade disruptions mean for female entrepreneurs (especially small product-based businesses)

• Why service-based brands aren’t entirely immune either

• And how to pivot with practicality, not panic

This is your reminder that even in economic chaos, you’re not powerless and you’re certainly not alone. You’re just being asked to get clearer, leaner, and more creative. 

So…What’s Happening?

Here’s the gist (minus all the crappy politics and bureaucratic jargons):

Over the past few years, the U.S., EU, and UK have been turning up the tariff dial on imported goods - especially those coming from China. Think: solar panels, EVs, semiconductors, textiles, steel, and aluminum.

The goal? Depends on who you ask. Some say it’s about protecting domestic industries and correct long-standing trade imbalances. Others say it's economic posturing. 

The reality? Higher prices for you, longer lead times for you, and tighter margins for…you guessed it - you.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

U.S. Tariffs Just Went Nuclear: Back in 2018, Trump’s administration kicked off the first wave of tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 25% tariff on EVs. Fast forward to May 2024, and the Biden administration raised that number to a jaw-dropping 102.5%. Now, with Trump back in office as of April 2025, the tariff on Chinese EVs has leapt again to 145%. That’s not a typo - and while it might look like a bold economic flex on paper, for small businesses, it’s more like a financial gut punch.

UK & EU: The UK continues to align closely with EU policies post-Brexit, meaning tariffs and customs delays still apply to goods from outside the EU (and now, sometimes between UK and EU depending on the trade category). For the EU, 15-30% tariff increases on various electronics, metal components, and green tech supplies are now in full effect. Add customs checks and logistical bottlenecks, and suddenly a 2-week delivery turns into 6.

And no, this isn’t just affecting mega-corporations. According to the Peterson Institute for

International Economics, these tariff increases have added hundreds to thousands of dollars in annual costs for small U.S. businesses that rely on imported materials - and those costs are getting passed on somewhere.

Spoiler: it’s usually to you or your customers.

Meanwhile, service-based entrepreneurs might be thinking, “Phew, I’m safe.” Hold that thought. Your suppliers, contractors, or even clients? They’re tightening budgets too. Translation: Everyone’s feeling the ripple effects - whether you’re selling candles or coaching packages.

What does this mean for you, the woman building a business from her kitchen table, laptop, or product warehouse?

It means it’s time to get smart, strategic (and maybe a little scrappy). This shift is uncomfortable, yes. But it’s also an invitation to reimagine how your business moves, sources, and sells. 

How is this Affecting Female Entrepreneurs?

If you sell physical products: You’re getting hit from multiple angles - raw materials are more expensive, shipping costs are rising, and suppliers are feeling the squeeze (which means they pass it to you).

Example: You sell eco-conscious skincare products manufactured in Asia. Suddenly, your packaging costs 20% more, and your U.S. fulfillment center is charging extra fees due to customs delays. You either eat the cost (hello, profit dip) or raise prices and risk losing budget-conscious buyers.

If you run a service-based business: You might think you’re immune, but not quite. Tariffs drive inflation, which drives client hesitation. You may notice slower conversion rates, more price objections, or delayed payments - all signs that your audience is also feeling the squeeze.

Example: You’re a brand strategist. Your clients are product-based businesses and if their margins get tighter, your contracts might be the first to go.

And here’s what doesn’t get said enough: Women are already statistically more cautious with money, more likely to bootstrap, less likely to raise capital or pay themselves. When the world tightens its belt, we often tighten ours even more - sometimes to our own detriment.

What Can You Actually Do?

Whether you’re shipping handmade candles or selling coaching packages, here’s what we recommend:

1. Audit your supply chain or service stack

Global trade isn’t going back to “normal” – at least not any time soon. What we’re seeing isn’t just temporary chaos; it’s a full-on reshaping of how the world moves goods, services, and capital. And that means business owners, especially women, need to adapt with clarity, not cling to outdated playbooks.

For service providers: Review the tools you use. Some AI and SaaS platforms are also being impacted by cross-border tax shifts. Find alternatives if needed - and budget accordingly.

Start by listing out every touchpoint in your supply chain or service stack: materials, tools, software, suppliers, even freelancers. Ask:

• What’s vulnerable to tariffs or delays?

• What could be localized or regionally sourced?

• Where can I build a plan B or a better plan A?

For product-based founders:Instead of defaulting to traditional manufacturing hubs like China or India, explore rising regions that combine affordability, craftsmanship, and developing trade relationships. Consider “nearshoring” to reduce tariff exposure.

Below are just a few regional examples worth exploring, offering a mix of affordability, craftsmanship, and ethical potential. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, and we always recommend doing your own research to find what’s best suited to your industry, business model, and values.

Region	Countries	Why Consider It?
Eastern Europe	Romania, Bulgaria, Poland	Skilled labor, EU-aligned regulations, closer shipping timelines to Western Europe
Southern Europe	Turkey, Macedonia	Turkey has strong textile/manufacturing infrastructure; Macedonia offers cost-efficiency and artisanal production.
Sub-Saharan Africa	Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda	Growing hubs for ethical fashion, leather, textiles. Africa is shifting from “outsourced labor” to partnership-driven manufacturing. Organizations like Ethical Apparel Africa help brands do this right.
Southeast Asia	Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia	Vietnam is already a major China alternative. Thailand is especially good for wellness products, beauty packaging, and textiles.
Latin America	Mexico, Colombia, Peru	Nearshoring for U.S.-based brands. Bonus: shared time zones and more control over the supply chain. Peru also has a luxury textile market (e.g., alpaca).

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Costs vary by industry and product type: e.g., Thailand is great for wellness and personal care, but not necessarily for heavy manufacturing.

• Import/export relationships matter: for U.S.-based entrepreneurs, countries with Free Trade Agreements may mean fewer duties.

• Cultural/ethical alignment: Women-led businesses often seek value-aligned partnerships, not just cheap labor. Africa and Latin America are particularly strong here for building community-focused supply chains.

2. Review your pricing (and communicate clearly)

Tariffs may not be your fault, but absorbing the costs indefinitely isn’t a sustainable strategy.

➡ Raise prices with transparency and empathy➡ Create bundles or limited time offers to ease customers into higher price points➡ Consider adding “value boosts” (think digital bonuses or access to exclusive Q&As) to offset price hikes

Why This Works:

A study published in Harvard Business Review found that customer loyalty increases by up to 73% when price increases are communicated with transparency. In other words, confident, honest communication builds trust. You don’t need to apologize for protecting your margins - you’re not a charity.

For client communication: Use the following AI prompt: “Draft a compassionate email explaining my price increase, emphasizing long-term value.”

3. The “AI Sidekick” Shortcut to save time and cost

Yes, we know…AI is a buzzword - but when used right, it can give you a serious operational edge. If you haven’t explored AI tools for copywriting, supply chain analysis, customer service, or product development - you’re missing out.

Tools to explore:

• ChatGPT for content drafts, email replies, and idea generation

• Notion AI for admin automation

• TradeLens or Freightos to compare shipping costs and reduce fulfillment headaches

Anti-Hustle Tip: If a task takes under 2 hours and doesn’t require your unique genius, automate or delegate it. 

4. Build service-based offers (even if you sell products)

Here’s a winning move we rarely hear discussed: diversify into services.

• Can you create a digital workshop teaching people how to make what you sell?

• Can you offer consulting to new product-based businesses trying to launch?

• Can you monetize your expertise beyond the physical product?

With minimal overhead and zero tariffs, digital products and services can stabilize your income in volatile markets.

SKHB Fix (for exhausted founders):  

• Product to service in 90 minutes: Record a Loom video tutorial teaching one skill related to your product (e.g., a jewelry designer explains “How to Style 5 Looks with 1 Statement Necklace”). Sell it as a digital add-on.  

• Service to product: Turn your most-asked-for advice into a printable checklist (e.g., “The Busy Mom’s 10-Minute Daily Profit Tracker”).  

5. Focus on resilience, not ruin

Here’s the truth: Tariffs come and go. Economic cycles rise and fall. But your ability to build a resilient business - one that’s lean, adaptable, and grounded in clarity - is what will carry you through.

The Silver Lining

While trade tensions might feel scary, they also open the door to something bigger: rethinking the way we grow.

Maybe this is your sign to:

• Shift to sustainable, local suppliers

• Build recurring revenue

• Invest in passive income streams

• Or finally create that digital course you’ve been dreaming about

And here’s the thing, in times of turbulence, the women who adapt fastest are the ones who grow strongest. 

You didn’t start your business just to be at the mercy of policy shifts and global politics. You started it because you believed in something - your product, your voice, your freedom.

Tariffs or no tariffs, that mission still stands. So, stay informed. Stay agile. Stay optimistic.

And remember, the most powerful moves aren’t always the loudest - they’re the smartest. Because power isn’t just in your hustle - it’s in your strategy. And this year? Let this be the year you play to win.