Tariffs Resource Center
Following the high of the 2024 election, the introduction of tariffs has deflated the optimism of CEOs of small and midsize businesses. Our latest research reveals that nearly 70% of CEOs expect negative impacts of changing tariff and trade policies, a major driver of increasing economic pessimism among CEOs. While the tariff playbook has not changed, the uncertainty about when, where and how these changes will impact makes planning challenging. The issue at hand may be tariffs, but the problem is uncertainty.
This resource center collects insights on tariffs, bringing together expert and peer perspectives to help you navigate decisions amid these changing policies, mitigate risk, and plan effectively. Here’s the latest from Vistage Research on the impact of tariffs heading into 2026.
To help with decision-making, we have curated:
- Insights on tariffs from trusted experts
- Real-life approaches to tariffs from CEO peers
- Join discussions about tariffs in Vistage Networks
- Third-party resources on tariffs
Insights on tariffs from trusted experts
Tariffs and Trade Remain a Top CEO Challenge Heading into 2026
Explore the impact of tariffs on the global economy and gain the insights you’ll need to protect profitability and agility in an unpredictable trade environment.
AI Adoption Surges Amid Economic Uncertainty: What You Need to Know
Economic downturns are accelerating technology adoption. Explore how today’s tariff uncertainty is driving AI adoption by CEOs and leaders.
Small Business Confidence Rises; Costs, Tariffs Bite Margins
The May WSJ/Vistage Small Business index rose slightly, but uncertainty still looms, affecting demand, investments and hiring plans.
Why Tariffs Are a Pricing Strategy Problem
Vistage Chief Research Officer Joe Galvin explains how tariffs drive uncertainty, forcing CEOs to rethink pricing, supply chains and investments amid rising costs, inflation and market instability.
Volatility and Uncertainty Erode Confidence
The April WSJ/Vistage Small Business index dropped to 69.7, revealing that 57% of CEOs expect a declining economy over the next 12 months as they prepare for more volatility and uncertainty. Read more in our report.
Developing Pricing Strategies while Navigating Uncertain Times
Iris Pricing Solutions President Kirk Jackisch shares his insights into managing pricing strategies amid inflation, tariffs, stagflation and other economic concerns.
Handling Tariff Turbulence: Strategies for Stability Amid Uncertainty
Boost Profits President Casey Brown delves into the recent tariffs and shares insights on how SMB CEOs can adjust prices to stabilize profits.
Tariffs Continue to Erode Small Business Confidence
The March WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence Index dropped to 85.4 as concerns over tariffs and economic uncertainty continue to rattle confidence.
More Practical Steps to Take as Tariffs Are Implemented
Some tariffs are currently in place, with more expected soon. The situation is changing as U.S. policy develops and trade negotiations unfold. ITR Economics offers strategies for positioning your business in this tariff environment.
Tariff Risk Assessment Tool
Our partners at TEC Canada have developed this exercise to help you systematically assess key risks, focus on high-priority issues and make informed decisions in the wake of changing tariffs and trade policy.
TEC Canada: Tariffs and Trade Policy Resources
Gain industry-leading insights and the latest resources for Canadian SMB CEOs and leaders navigating the recent tariff and trade policy changes.
5 Priorities to Manage During a Crisis
Whether the Dow drops by 1,000 points or a work stoppage severely impacts your supply chain, it is crucial to accept the situation and take action. Vistage speaker Corrine Hancock outlines 5 key crisis-management priorities for CEOs.
Daily Guide for Leaders During a Crisis
Vistage CEO Sam Reese explores 6 crisis management principles, inspired by his experiences and discussions with successful business leaders, that could help you steer your organization through tough times.
Real-life approaches to tariffs from CEO peers
Tangling with Tariffs in 2025: CEOs Share Their Strategies
As new policies emerge, 3 Vistage CEO members share their insights on overcoming past challenges. Discover their strategies and how they built resilience in their operations.
Inside One CEO’s Impossible Mission to Stay Ahead of Tariffs
Learn how member company Tormach and its CEO, Daniel Rogge, are slicing spending and raising prices to blunt the damage of a potential trade war in this piece from The Wall Street Journal.
Join discussions about tariffs in My Vistage Networks
Have a question? Need a recommendation? Want a referral? Ask your peers in My Vistage Networks or join an existing discussion. [My Vistage password required]
Find conversations about tariffs taking place across ALL Vistage Networks.
Here are some of the most relevant conversations:
- MFG/sourcing/tariffs help [Manufacturing Network]
- Section 232 tariffs: aluminum & steel [Manufacturing Network]
- How to handle price increases due to tariffs [Manufacturing Network]
- How to quickly find/raise cash for growth? [Financial Services Network]
- Connecting with manufacturers in Vietnam [Manufacturing Network]
- Help navigating Tariff dates and proper percentages [Logistics, Distribution and Transportation Network]
- Deferring China tariffs – Using MX bonded warehouses [Manufacturing Network]
Third-party perspectives
The Economy Seems Uncertain. Here’s Why Entrepreneurs Remain Optimistic [Inc.]
The Cost of Certainty: Navigating Universal Tariffs from the Finance Seat [Forbes]
How Tariffs Are Playing Out So Far [HBR]
Stories on Tariffs from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Related Resources
Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index
About the Author: Anne Petrik
As Vice President of Research for Vistage, Anne Petrik is instrumental in the creation of original thought leadership designed to inform the decision-making of CEOs of small and midsize businesses. These perspectives — shared through repo
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