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Tariffs Threaten Minnesota Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty

2/22/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Beth Benike, a Minnesota small business owner, faced a $230,000 tariff on her Busy Baby Mat after U.S. President Donald Trump announced "Liberation Day" tariffs in April 2025, leaving it stuck in China.
She reduced staff from five to three and depleted savings to keep the Minnesota business afloat.
Dan Turner, another business owner, reported a 10% revenue drop in 2025 and cited tariff-related uncertainty, a concern echoed by Beth Benike.

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Story summary

Beth Benike, a Minnesota small business owner, faced a $230,000 tariff on her Busy Baby Mat after U.S. President Donald Trump announced "Liberation Day" tariffs in April 2025, leaving it stuck in China.
She reduced staff from five to three and depleted savings to keep the Minnesota business afloat.
Dan Turner, another business owner, reported a 10% revenue drop in 2025 and cited tariff-related uncertainty, a concern echoed by Beth Benike.