ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office is Tuesday. Economic policies he implemented since returning to the White House are starting to impact Georgia businesses.

From a manufacturing company that makes their products in the U.S., to a wholesaler that gets nearly all their products outside the U.S., Trump’s new tariffs are a waiting game for businesses.

Since taking office a second time, a trade war has resulted in 145% tariffs on Chinese imports.

Small businesses said they’re seeing the increases in prices from the tariffs, specifically from Chinese products. Some of them tell Atlanta News First they want to wait and see if they can hold off on bringing in Chinese products so as not to pass off those costs to customers.

Several businesses have told Atlanta News First they have to rethink the way they will operate among new tariffs, with some agreeing and disagreeing with the tariffs.

U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler – a former U.S. senator for Georgia – spoke Monday at the Winton Machine Company, a small business in Suwanee, about the Trump administration’s economic policies in its first 100 days.

Loeffler stressed that the administration’s goal is a level playing field for small businesses.

“In favor of a level playing field, whatever that looks like” said Lisa Winton, the CEO of Winton Machine Company.

Winton makes machines for companies to bend metal tubing for things like chairs or pool entrance railings.

She said she’s not getting a lot from China, though she is importing some electrical components. She said increases in prices will have to be absorbed, but she remains optimistic.

“In the scheme of things, because we are making everything here, I’m hopeful that there’s going to be a balancing act where that comes into play. It’s just a lot of uncertainty right now,” said Winton.

Eric Lee manages the wholesaler Superline Network. Lee said 50% of their products come from China. The other half come from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Honduras.

Lee said an overseas order can take six months to a year from production to shipment. Their latest shipment from China is ready, but they are holding off on shipping to avoid paying the higher tax.

“Luckily for us, there are other manufacturers like Shaka Wear. They make stuff in Honduras. The taxes weren’t affected as much. So that’s where we’re loading up on that inventory instead,” said Lee.

Loeffler said tariffs are about fair trade. When Atlanta News First asked about her plan to help those struggling with tariffs right now, she responded that she is focused on cutting taxes for businesses.

“Those small businesses would absolutely buckle under the weight of a tax increase,” said Loeffler.

Loeffler added that this is an important time for negotiations over tariffs, but said tariffs are only one piece of the Trump’s administration’s long-term plan for businesses.

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