A new survey by digital freight marketplace Freightos shows that small and mid-sized U.S. importers remain deeply concerned about ongoing tariff policy changes, despite a 90-day implementation delay.
Freightos provides a global freight booking platform and logistics data. It conducted the survey of over 100 importers between May 14, 2025, and May 17.
Freightos’ data about tariffs and small importers
According to the findings, 31% of respondents say they are more concerned about tariffs than they were in April, while 48% report being equally concerned. Just 20% said the temporary delay had eased their worries. Although average business disruption dropped slightly to 7.5 out of 10 from 8.9 in April, 42% of importers still rated their disruption at the maximum 10.
Many importers are adjusting operations. Nearly half (47%) resumed paused shipments, while 15% reported switching suppliers and 7% decreased import volumes. Freightos warns that the sudden resumption of shipping could lead to “bullwhip effects” that prolong supply chain instability.
Despite pressure to shift sourcing domestically, most have not acted. While 30% said they are considering U.S. production, only 6% have made the transition.
Holiday sales appear largely intact, with businesses rating the expected Memorial Day impact at 4.3 out of 10, on average. However, procurement and customer demand remain clouded by uncertainty.
“We have discontinued any import for the rest of the year,” one importer reported. “It’s likely we will go out of business.”
Freightos noted that while the panic seen in April has diminished, exhaustion has taken its place — signaling prolonged stress across the small importer segment.
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