Small Business America's Muted Response to Tariffs. Gene Marks discusses how small businesses across industries like building materials, corrugated boxes, and machine parts report a "very muted" impact from tariffs. While members are seeing indirect price increases, these smaller domestic companies are generally not buying goods directly from overseas. Their strategy involves cutting overhead, absorbing increases, or passing costs to customers. Organizers confirm members are nervous but note tariffs have not yet caused a major impact, suggesting that "so far so good."