Supply-Chain Expert Warns Tariffs Could Crush Small Businesses

San Francisco, CA — Ryan Petersen, a prominent voice in supply-chain logistics, is sounding the alarm on the dangers of continued U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. As the founder and CEO of Flexport, a company specializing in moving goods worldwide, Petersen sees firsthand how these tariffs could spell disaster for American small businesses.

“If they don’t change the tariffs, it’s going to be an extinction-level, asteroid-wiping-out-the-dinosaurs kind of event,” Petersen warned in an interview. He emphasized that these businesses are not just statistics; they are dynamic and vital parts of the economy.

Flexport provides vital logistics support, helping businesses navigate the complexities of global trade from booking space on carriers to managing paperwork. The company has visibility into about 1% of U.S. trade, allowing Petersen to analyze shipping costs and the additional burdens imposed by tariffs.

The current 145% tariffs on Chinese imports are causing uncertainty for many companies. Petersen predicts that if these tariffs remain in place, thousands of businesses will fail and millions of jobs will be lost. “They can’t afford the latest tariffs on Chinese goods,” he said, highlighting the struggle small businesses face.

In response, Petersen has taken to social media and influential podcasts to raise awareness about the plight of small companies. He recently posted shipping data on X, which garnered over 3 million views, underlining the public interest in the topic.

Petersen’s drive to advocate for small businesses comes from his deep understanding of their struggles. He speaks regularly with Flexport’s 13,000 customers, which range from manufacturers of electronics and clothing to furniture and toys.

Recently, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials about the impact of tariffs, arguing they pose an existential threat to small businesses. While larger corporations might withstand these disruptions better, smaller firms could face imminent destruction.

According to Petersen, many businesses are paralyzed by the uncertainty surrounding tariffs. They are caught in a difficult situation, unable to shift their supply chains from China to other countries like Vietnam, which are hesitant to take on new production jobs from U.S. small businesses due to the growing tariffs.

Despite the challenges, Petersen remains hopeful that the White House will eventually reverse course and reduce these tariffs. Until then, he advises his customers to stay calm and focused as they navigate this turbulent environment. “In a crisis, everybody rallies around the calmest person in the room,” he said.