Estimated Reading Time: 5–6 minutes

Quick Takeaways

• Tariffs can increase costs for goods, especially in industries that rely on imports
• Many Fort Collins businesses are feeling the pinch in sectors like manufacturing, retail, and construction
• Understanding your supply chain is key to minimizing tariff-related risk
• There are practical strategies for local businesses to offset rising costs
• Staying informed through local chambers and trade groups can help you anticipate changes

Are Tariffs Quietly Squeezing Your Fort Collins Business?

If you’ve noticed rising costs on inventory, construction materials, or equipment, you’re not alone. For many small business owners in Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado, tariffs — those government-imposed taxes on imported goods — are quietly reshaping margins and sourcing decisions.

Tariffs might seem like a distant international issue, but they’re playing out in real time on College Avenue, along Mulberry, and in industrial parks throughout Larimer County.

What Are Tariffs, Really?

Tariffs are taxes on goods imported into the U.S. They’re usually aimed at protecting domestic industries or responding to international trade disputes. But when you’re running a small operation, the ripple effects can feel more like waves.

Local Impact: Why Fort Collins Businesses Should Care

Imagine a Fort Collins-based construction supply company that imports metal fixtures from overseas. If a 10% tariff is suddenly imposed, that business either eats the cost or passes it along to customers. Multiply that across several suppliers, and it’s a recipe for shrinking margins or pricing yourself out of a competitive local market.

Industries Most Affected in Northern Colorado:

• Manufacturing: Parts, machinery, and raw materials are often imported
• Retail: Apparel, electronics, and home goods are tariff-sensitive
• Construction: Lumber, steel, and specialty tools can be impacted
• Agriculture: While not always hit directly, tariffs on inputs like fertilizer or equipment can matter

Strategies for Navigating Tariffs as a Small Business

Here’s how to stay ahead of tariff trouble — without losing your local edge:

1. Audit Your Supply Chain

• Identify what products or parts come from tariff-affected regions
• Talk to suppliers — ask about sourcing alternatives or domestic options

2. Adjust Pricing Strategically

• Communicate changes clearly to customers
• Consider bundling or value-added services to justify increases

3. Join Local Business Networks

Chambers of Commerce and trade groups often share early insights. The Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce can be a valuable resource.

4. Keep an Eye on Trade Policy

Monitor updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and USTR.gov to anticipate changes.

5. Leverage Local Talent

CSU’s College of Business or Innosphere Ventures might offer consulting or student-led projects around sourcing or logistics.

The Bottom Line for Fort Collins Business Owners

Tariffs may not be something you can control, but how you adapt to them is. As Northern Colorado’s economy continues to grow and diversify, staying agile — and informed — is the best way to protect your margins and grow your business.

Have tariffs affected your business? Share your experience in the comments — or subscribe to the Fort Collins Business Digest for more insights tailored to Northern Colorado entrepreneurs.