Category: Tariffs

North Carolina’s local makers are under pressure. From Black Mountain to Beaufort, artisans, retailers, and craftspeople are doing more with less; facing higher supply costs, smaller margins, and stiff competition from national and online brands.

At Gild Insurance, we see what’s at stake. These aren’t just businesses. They are the soul of North Carolina’s communities. If we don’t act now to support and protect them, we risk losing the creative energy and local character that makes this state thrive.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop small North Carolina and to understand what these makers are really up against.

Shop Small North Carolina to Keep Local Businesses Thriving

Nearly 99.6% of all North Carolina businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. But many of these shops, especially locally made brands, are at risk.

Here’s why:

• Tariff hikes on imported materials like textiles, metals, and ceramics are raising costs for artists, crafters, and manufacturers across the state.
• Small businesses don’t have the same bulk-buying power or storage capacity as national chains, making cost fluctuations harder to absorb.
• Local economic activity is directly tied to small business spending. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community (Forbes).

If we want to keep the heart of North Carolina’s economy beating, we must shop small North Carolina and invest in the makers who power our communities.

To help small businesses respond to rising costs and operational strain, Gild created the free Survive Tariffs Runbook. This downloadable guide is packed with practical tips, cost-saving strategies, and insurance insights tailored for makers and retailers navigating today’s volatile market. From sourcing alternatives to managing shipping risks, the Runbook gives local business owners the tools to adapt without losing momentum.

Why Tariffs Are Squeezing North Carolina Makers

The most recent round of U.S. tariffs, set to take effect in 2024 and 2025, is hitting product categories that impact thousands of local retailers and artists:

• Toys and children’s goods
• Textiles and apparel
• Kitchenware, ceramics, and home décor
• Tools and industrial parts

Without action, more independent shops and makers will be priced out of their markets. The best protection? At Gild Insurance, we believe that it is a combination of smart financial planning, localized supply strategies, and business insurance designed to minimize disruption.

How Gild Insurance Helps Local Makers Stay in Business

Tariffs and supply chain disruptions aren’t just budget issues. They’re business continuity risks. If a shipment is delayed, damaged, or stolen, many small shops can’t afford the hit.

Gild Insurance helps North Carolina makers plan ahead with:

• General liability insurance for third-party injuries or property damage
• Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs) that bundle liability and property coverage
• Inland marine insurance to protect tools and inventory in transit

If something does go wrong, Gild’s Claims Concierge is ready to help fast-track your recovery—whether you’re repairing storm damage, handling a property loss, or navigating a customer claim.

Protect What You’ve Built Before It’s Too Late

Whether you’re a maker or a supporter of local businesses, your choices matter. Small shops shape our neighborhoods, create jobs, and preserve the creative spirit that makes North Carolina unique. But they can’t do it alone. Here is what you can do to help:

✅ Support your local shops this season

📘 Download the Survive Tariffs Runbook to start implementing smarter cost strategies and prepare for pricing instability before it impacts your bottom line

📞 Schedule a call with a Gild Insurance agent today or get your quote online in minutes. Don’t wait until another shipment is delayed or a claim derails your business. Protect it now.

Tariffs are tightening the squeeze on small businesses in Texas. For retailers in sporting goods, toys, and home goods, the pressure is building fast. In 2023, Texas imported $92 billion worth of goods from China and $107 billion from Mexico, but with Texas small business tariffs now hitting both sources, costs are rising, and margins are shrinking

Whether you’re managing tight inventory or trying to stay competitive against big-box retailers, the trade landscape is shifting—and fast. At Gild Insurance, we’re here to help you face it head-on with the tools, protection, and practical strategies outlined in our Survive Tariffs runbook to help your business stay resilient.

Let’s take a closer look at how Texas small business tariffs are affecting retailers and what you can do right now to reduce your risk.

The Real Impact of Texas Small Business Tariffs on Retailers

Retailers importing products like yoga mats, dumbbells, or children’s toys are facing an uphill battle. Tariffs on Chinese imports have fluctuated significantly, at times reaching levels that substantially increase costs—particularly for small businesses that lack the purchasing power and profit margins of larger competitors. Even at the low end, Chinese tariffs remain above 30%. 

Many are also grappling with supply chain slowdowns at Gulf Coast ports, making restocking difficult and expensive. And in regions near the border, price-sensitive customers are shopping in Mexico, adding another layer of competition that favors big-box stores.

For small businesses in cities like Houston and Dallas, where they play a vital economic role, these tariffs are not just a nuisance—they’re a threat to survival.

3 Ways Texas Retailers Can Stay Resilient

If you’re in retail—especially in toys, sporting goods, or home décor—here are a few actionable strategies to consider:

• Diversify Sourcing: Shift more of your imports to Mexico or other tariff-exempt countries to reduce reliance on Chinese goods.
• Blend Domestic Inventory: Integrate U.S.-made products into your offerings. They may have higher sticker prices but can offer stability and branding advantages.
• Adopt Lean Inventory Practices: Use just-in-time inventory systems and smarter demand forecasting to avoid tying up cash in overstocked, high-tariff goods.

These tactics won’t eliminate risk but they will give your business more control in an unpredictable environment.

How Inland Marine Insurance Helps You Handle Texas Small Business Tariffs

When importing goods or managing a mobile inventory, there’s one more step you can take to shield your business: Inland Marine Insurance.

Unlike standard property policies, Inland Marine Insurance covers:

• Goods in transit
• Inventory stored offsite
• High-value movable property

If a shipment is delayed, damaged, or stolen on its way to your retail floor, you’ll be glad to have this extra layer of protection. And in the current tariff climate, that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. Schedule a time to talk to an agent and get the protection your business deserves

Stay Protected with Gild Insurance

While you can’t control international trade policy, you can control how you protect your inventory and manage your risk. At Gild Insurance, we specialize in helping small businesses like yours stay resilient through changing times—with insurance solutions that work the way you do.

Want to learn more?

👉Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead. 

👉Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future 

The Liberation Day tariffs are reshaping the retail landscape—and for California retailers, the impact is immediate. Rising import costs, shipment delays, and shrinking margins are hitting businesses from all sides, from e-commerce giants to boutique apparel shops.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, approximately 40% of U.S. containerized imports move through California ports, with China accounting for $144 billion in trade through the state in 2023 (USTR). The result? California retailers tariffs are now driving up product prices by 10–30%, slowing shipments by weeks, and forcing urgent changes to sourcing, pricing, and supply chain strategies.

At Gild Insurance, we help retailers adapt to uncertainty with smarter protection strategies, flexible insurance coverage, and practical business guidance. Below, we break down the risks California retailers face and what you can do to stay ahead.

How California Retailers Tariffs Are Disrupting the Supply Chain

Real-time data shows California retailers are being squeezed from both ends: rising import costs and declining consumer spending. Here’s how it’s unfolding:

• Heavy import reliance: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle over 40% of U.S. containerized imports, making California retailers especially vulnerable to global trade disruption (LAEDC).
• Industry vulnerability: Tariffs on key goods like apparel and electronics are driving up costs significantly. According to the Consumer Technology Association, tariffs could raise laptop and tablet prices by up to 46%, and smartphones by 26%. Apparel has seen price increases of over 17% in some categories (CTA, Yale Budget Lab).
• Cash flow risk: SBA data shows 20% of small firms have fewer than 90 days of cash reserves, putting them at risk of insolvency by Q3 2025 if cost pressures continue (SBA).
• Port delays: Ongoing congestion at California’s major ports is contributing to 2–4 week shipment delays—disrupting just-in-time inventory strategies and consumer satisfaction.

California retailers tariffs aren’t just economic headlines. They’re already affecting stock, pricing, and operational stability across the state.

Why Retailers Must Act Now to Stay Competitive

Tariffs aren’t going away anytime soon. They’re part of a broader global trend toward protectionism. If California retailers don’t adapt quickly, they risk:

• Squeezed profit margins due to higher input costs
• Lost customers as prices rise or products go out of stock
• Operational downtime from shipment delays or supplier issues
• Greater exposure to legal or reputational risk from product issues or missed delivery windows

Adaptation isn’t optional; it’s critical. California retailers must audit their sourcing, protect their cash flow, and build in safeguards now.

How Insurance Helps California Retailers Weather Tariff Fallout

Insurance isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a proactive risk solution. Gild Insurance helps California retailers stay resilient in turbulent markets with coverage tailored to your industry. Recommended policies include:

• Business Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income from supply chain delays caused by tariff impacts.
• Commercial Property Insurance: Protects stockpiled inventory ahead of anticipated tariff hikes.
• Inland Marine Coverage: Secures high-risk goods in transit, especially when rerouted.
• Product Liability Insurance: Shields against claims tied to rushed sourcing or product defects.
• Cyber Insurance: Essential when switching digital suppliers or platforms quickly.

🔗 Schedule a time with a Gild agent to audit your policies and see how you could save up to 20% while reinforcing your protection.

🔗 Get an online quote today and see how fast and affordable smart coverage can be.

Smart Strategies for California Retailers Facing Tariff Disruption

To stay afloat in the face of rising California retailers tariffs, small business owners should:

• Source smarter: Shift to partners in Mexico, Canada, or Vietnam where possible.
• Consolidate inventory: Negotiate better terms with bulk domestic suppliers.
• Pivot to service models: Offer customization, repairs, or faster local fulfillment.
• Audit import exposure: If 30% or more of your inventory comes from tariffed countries, prioritize diversification.
• Leverage insurance: Use coverage to buffer supply chain, liability, and revenue risks.

Gild can help you implement these tactics quickly and confidently.

Partner Resources to Reduce Costs and Risk

Gild collaborates with trusted providers to help retailers build resilience:

• Rocket Lawyer – Simplify annual reporting and stay on top of required tax filings
• RangeMe – Find vetted, tariff-exempt suppliers in North America
• Envision Payroll – Cut back-office costs with scalable payroll solutions
• Owners Bank – Access funding to cushion against cost increases or shipment delays

These partnerships offer immediate tools to offset tariff fallout.

Protect What You’ve Built

California retailers face a tough road ahead—but with the right strategy, you can stay ahead. From insurance to smarter sourcing and partner support, Gild is here to help you navigate the shifting trade landscape. 

👉Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead.  

👉Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future 

The Liberation Day tariffs are here and for U.S. small businesses, the impact is immediate and personal. Rising household costs and skyrocketing business expenses are squeezing margins from both sides. Entrepreneurs are getting hit twice: at home and at work.  From food trucks and retail shops to consulting firms and manufacturers, small business owners are feeling the pressure. How do tariffs affect small businesses and entrepreneurs? The short answer: financially, operationally, and strategically. 

That’s why Gild Insurance created the Tariffs Runbook. A resource built specifically to help small businesses adapt, survive, and protect their operations during ongoing trade disruptions. 

If you want practical strategies to stay ahead, cut costs, and safeguard your future, this guide is a must-read. 

How Tariffs Affect Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Real-time market data shows that the impact of tariffs is accelerating faster than many expected: 

• Import Dependency: States like California and Texas, source over 20% of small business inputs from now-tariffed countries. In industries like electronics and textiles, reliance can exceed 50%. (National Retail Federation, 2024) 

• Cash Flow Pressures: About 20% of U.S. small businesses have fewer than four months of cash reserves (Source: PYMNTS, 2025). Rising costs from tariffs and slowing consumer demand could push many to the brink by mid-2025 if conditions persist. 

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Port delays at major hubs like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey are affecting 10–20% of shipments, contributing to inventory shortages and delivery backlogs (Source: Seavantage, 2025). 

These pressures aren’t theoretical, they’re happening now. The businesses that adapt early will survive and thrive. 

Get the strategies you need inside the Tariffs Runbook — built for small business owners like you. 

Why It’s Critical to Act Now 

Tariffs aren’t a temporary problem; they’re part of a broader shift toward protectionism. Without a plan, small businesses risk: 

• Shrinking profit margins 

• Lost customer loyalty due to price hikes 

• Increased operational downtime 

• Greater vulnerability to supply chain disruptions 

You don’t have to figure this out alone. 
The Gild Tariffs Runbook helps you assess your exposure, rethink your supplier strategies, and protect your business with smart risk management moves. 

What’s Inside the Tariffs Runbook (And Why You Need It) 

The Tariffs Runbook offers actionable guidance without the fluff, including: 

• Insurance Risk Audit: How the right coverage shields your business from ripple effects like delays, lawsuits, and revenue loss. 

• State Level Risk Snapshots: Breaking down where tariffs will hit the hardest in 2025. 

• Risk Identification Checklist: Spot hidden tariff vulnerabilities across your supply chain.  

• Partner Resources: How Gild partners can help you reduce costs and give your business access to affordable services beyond insurance. 

Don’t let tariff uncertainty catch you off guard. Download your Tariffs Runbook now. 

Recommended Insurance Solutions for Tariff Fallout 

Tailored coverage is a crucial part of risk management in today’s trade climate. Here are the top products Gild recommends: 

• Business Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income if tariffs delay your operations. Best for import-reliant manufacturers or retailers. 

• Commercial Property Insurance: Protects inventory and equipment—ideal if you’re stockpiling goods pre-tariff. 

• Inland Marine: Covers goods in transit as you reroute around port delays or tariffed routes. 

• General Liability & Product Liability Insurance: Shields you if rushed sourcing causes defects or injuries. 

• Commercial Umbrella Insurance: Adds extra protection if a major tariff disruption leads to large claims. 

• Cyber Insurance: Important if you’re switching to digital suppliers or platforms under pressure. 

Schedule a policy review with a Gild agent to ensure your insurance protects you against delays, supply chain interruptions, and increased legal exposure. 

How Gild Helps Beyond Tariffs: Partner Resources to Reduce Costs 

Need help finding more savings beyond insurance? Gild works with vetted partners who offer real solutions: 

• Rocket Lawyer – Affordable legal help for renegotiating contracts or adding tariff clauses 

• RangeMe – Connect with domestic and tariff-exempt suppliers 

• Envision Payroll  – Streamline back-office operations and reduce labor costs 

• Owners Bank – Smart financing options to weather short-term cash flow disruptions. 

By leveraging these partnerships, small business owners can strengthen their operations, streamline expenses, and stay resilient—no matter how trade policies shift. 

Protect What You’ve Built 

You’ve worked too hard to let global trade shifts derail your success. 

Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead. 

Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future