Enterprising side hustlers can position themselves now to capitalise on a potential business boom later in the year.
The full effect of the Trump tariffs will likely not be seen in the U.S. for a few months, but the impact is already being felt on some products and at certain retailers. Prices are inching higher despite temporary pauses on the highest duties on products from China and the European Union. While the threat of significantly higher prices is currently being kept at bay, some side hustles could see a potential boom in business later in the year.
Creators of physical goods could be in the optimal position. Should the tariffs be enacted, the price of several everyday items is expected to rise, which could boost the market for artisan products from side hustlers, as retailers burn through their stockpiled pre-tariff inventory.
Of course, there’s now a big question about whether those tariffs will be enacted. The Court of International Trade ruled on Wednesday that Trump’s tariffs exceeded his authority and called for a halt to the policy. The White House appealed that decision, however, and on Thursday, a federal appeals court granted the administration’s request to temporarily pause the ruling, which lets the tariffs stay in place during the appeals process.
Should the tariffs ultimately be allowed to move forward, here are a few talents that could fare especially well for side hustles.
Making Christmas ornaments
Manufacturers are already sounding an alarm about the holiday season. Chinese companies are the source of 87 % of the Christmas decorations sold in the U.S., and orders are down considerably this year. While it might seem early to worry about that, now is the time that many of those goods usually begin to ship to the U.S. Makers who specialise in creating hand-crafted ornaments and holiday decorations could be in a unique position to capitalise on this with a side hustle. Shoppers who baulk at paying inflated prices at brick-and-mortar retailers could turn to Etsy or other online retailers for alternatives.
Homemade toys and games
Keeping with the holiday theme, toys are also expected to cost more this holiday season, as roughly 80 % of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China. Whether you’ve created a unique board game or make or restore dolls, there will be demand for this side hustle. Consider finding influencers who specialise in your category and sending a sample to them to build buzz for your creation. Kickstarter can also be a good place to find customers for these kinds of items. It’s hard to compete against the toy giants, but offering a well-priced, unique alternative can catch the eye of the budget-conscious shopper.
Hand-sewn products
Many designer and leather goods, including wallets and purses, come to the U.S. from abroad and so will potentially face steep tariffs. This presents an opportunity for creators who specialise in this space, but there is some advanced work you’ll need to do. Research your own supply chain and shift to local suppliers if duties are going to impact your material costs. If you specialise in quilted goods, for example, look for local farms that gather wool from sheep, alpacas, and the like, which could not only save on costs but also make your products stand out from the competition.
Plant curators
Last year, the U.S. imported more than $ 4 billion worth of live plants, bulbs, roots, and more, according to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade. There’s a thriving market, however, for domestic gardeners looking for a side hustle. A site like Palmstreet lets sellers interact directly with customers via live streams and live auctions or list offerings via a more traditional marketplace. Some plants go for $100 or more.
Clothing design
Apparel is a category that could be especially hard hit by tariffs, and that could impact most Americans. The U.S. gets 97 % of its clothing and shoes from other countries, according to a report by the American Apparel and Footwear Association. That’s a potential opportunity for designers. Online stores that specialise in boutique clothing items can be more competitive on price, especially as fast-fashion outlets increase the amount they charge. This could be a good time to launch (or promote) your online store.
Personal care items
While aiming to be the next L’Oreal or Unilever might be ambitious, some of the best-selling items on Etsy are hand and body lotions, shower steamers, perfumes, and more. Last year, the U.S. imported $7.59 billion worth of personal care products from other countries. Prices on those could go up from 10 to 60 %, Allure reports. That could send some consumers looking for alternatives.
