Vermont small businesses navigate trade uncertainty after 'survival-mode' year

Small business owners across Vermont describe a year of 10% tariffs and administrative disbursement fees as a period of intense survival pressure. Kate Wylie McCabe of the Vermont Evaporator Company revealed that the lack of predictable trade rules led her company to put itself up for sale, while Ongyel Sherpa of US Sherpa highlighted the particular burden on handmade goods from Nepal. Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Vermont retailers remain cautious, calling for long-term stability to allow for sustainable community-focused operations.