Jeans $10 More & Prices Soaring – 2026 Tariffs Crushing Small Biz & Trucking Suppliers
- Schulz Trade Law
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Jeans $10 More & Prices Soaring: 2026 Tariffs Crushing Small Biz & Trucking Suppliers
Michelle Schulz Reveals How Current Tariffs Are Raising Prices and Challenging Small Businesses and Trucking Supply Chains
Overview:
In a timely SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking interview on February 17, 2026, Michelle Schulz of Schulz Trade Law in Dallas shares expert analysis on how current U.S. tariffs continue to raise prices on electronics, apparel, steel, aluminum and more.
With over 23 years as a leading tariff attorney, Schulz discusses enforcement at the border, shifting rules, inventory headaches for manufacturers supplying the trucking industry, and practical compliance strategies every importer needs now.
Tariffs Driving Up Consumer Prices and Challenging Small Businesses
Tariffs are no longer just headline news—they’re hitting wallets and bottom lines hard. Larger brands initially absorbed costs, but now companies like Columbia Sportswear and Levi Strauss are passing increases to consumers, with jeans rising $5–$10 and spring merchandise seeing high-single-digit hikes.
Small businesses importing parts and components face the biggest squeeze because they cannot keep absorbing 25–50%+ duties on textiles, steel, aluminum or copper.
“I believe the tariffs alone have a dramatic impact on the price of goods today, and I think that Columbia Sportswear is a great example, because they probably absorbed some of the tariffs in the beginning. And it’s been slow rolling, because there were companies that could absorb tariffs in the beginning, whereas the smaller ones usually couldn’t. We’re reaching a point where they’re saying, hey, well, we’re going to have to drive our prices up now, because nothing’s changed.”
Expert Guidance on International Trade Compliance and Navigating Changing Rules
Every product and every country of origin carries its own tariff rate under IEEPA, Section 232 and other authorities. Customs guidance keeps evolving, often stricter than original executive orders, leaving importers scrambling to classify goods correctly and avoid penalties.
Michelle Schulz helps Dallas-area and nationwide companies stay compliant in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system amid daily rule changes.
“So I do international trade law, and I have done international trade for over 23 years. I help companies that import and export and help them to be compliant with US regulations. It can be very difficult with these tariffs, because there are different interpretations, and what I’m doing right now is helping companies navigate the different interpretations and the enforcement that’s pretty strong right now on those who don’t pay the tariffs correctly.”
Border Enforcement, Cargo Holds & Trucking Industry Supply-Chain Impacts
Customs is stepping up enforcement at every port of entry. Trucks must file accurate advanced manifest data or risk delays, while held cargo racks up daily storage fees with compound interest. Manufacturers supplying fasteners, fittings and components to freightliner, Volvo and other truck builders face inventory risk when rates change after entry, plus no de-minimis relief on many IEEPA tariffs.
“They will hold on to the cargo and charge you storage fees, and those storage fees are subject to compound interest… we have quite a few clients who are in manufacturing and who are dealing with parts and components. And the problem with that is even there’s no de minimis on the IEEPA tariffs.”
If rising tariffs, border delays or compliance questions are affecting your imports, exports or trucking supply chain, get expert help today.
Visit SchulzTradeLaw.com to download free resources and schedule a consultation.
Protect your business—don’t navigate 2026 tariffs alone.
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