At the United Corpus Christi Chamber, we’re committed to keeping our members ahead of the curve—especially when it comes to policy changes that can impact your bottom line. That’s why I want to take a moment to share an important update on a topic that’s affecting many of our small business owners: tariffs.

Last week, I tuned in to a federal policy briefing hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where Executive Vice President Neil Bradley and Senior Vice President John Murphy broke down what’s happening with tariffs and how they’re impacting small businesses across the country.

Here’s the short version: things are changing—and fast.

Unlike previous rounds of tariffs that were implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act, many of the new measures are being executed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). That means there’s no requirement for notice, no opportunity for public comment, and very little time for businesses to prepare. In other words, the rules of the game can shift overnight.

We’ve already seen the consequences. Small businesses are reporting issues like:

• Suppliers suddenly suspending deliveries from abroad,
• Customs bonds no longer covering the cost of imports, and
• Contracts unexpectedly subject to higher tariffs.

For a small business already navigating tight margins, that kind of disruption can be devastating.

So, what can we do?

• First, stay informed. We’ll continue to keep you updated on key federal policy developments like this one.
• Second, stay connected. If your business is being impacted by these changes, I want to hear from you. Understanding your challenges helps us advocate more effectively on your behalf—not just at the local and state levels, but in Washington, too.
• And finally, stay proactive. Review your supply chains. Talk to your legal and financial teams. Be ready to adapt, because resilience is one of our greatest strengths.

You can read more from the U.S. Chamber’s update here, additionally here is the full video below. I’ll be following up with more information as it becomes available.

We’re in this together, and as always, your Chamber is here to help you thrive.

Let’s keep moving forward—United.