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Centri’s Kevin McLaughlin Featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tariff Impact on Small Businesses

Centri’s Kevin McLaughlin, Partner, was featured in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article: Six months in, how are Philly-area businesses handling Trump’s tariffs?, exploring how small businesses across the Philadelphia region are navigating the uncertainty brought on by new U.S. tariffs.

The piece examines the ripple effects of President Trump’s April 2 declaration of “Independence Day,” which imposed a minimum 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates targeting countries like India and China. As these tariffs evolve, many small businesses are grappling with rising costs, shrinking margins, and tough decisions about pricing, sourcing, and staffing.

Kevin offered expert insight into how Centri’s clients are responding to these challenges:

“While the full impact of tariffs has not yet sifted through every corner of the economy, growing businesses and businesses with thinner margins and less negotiating power than large corporations are often the first to feel the pressure,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty, Kevin struck a hopeful tone, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of Centri’s clients:

“Many are using this moment as an opportunity to strengthen supplier relationships, accelerate efficiency, and polish their value propositions.”

Kevin’s commentary reflects Centri’s commitment to helping businesses not only weather economic shifts but also emerge stronger and more strategic. The article also features stories from local business owners across industries—from retail and manufacturing to hospitality—each navigating the tariff landscape in their own way.

Read the full article here.