Trump's Trade War: Is It a Dream House or a Disaster for Small Businesses? Barbie Investigates!

Life in Plastic It's Fantastic? Not for These Businesses!

Hi Dreamhouse dwellers! Barbie here reporting live from the front lines of… economics? Yes even I with my impeccable fashion sense and multiple dream careers am diving into the nitty gritty of Trump's trade war with China. You know 'Math class is tough!' – but this is tougher! Matt Kubancik a small business owner in Louisville Kentucky voted for Trump hoping for an economic boost. Instead he says it's been a 'vacation from hell.' His company Guardian Baseball relies on Chinese manufacturers and those tariffs? Not so fantastic.

From Republican to Democrat: A Political Makeover!

Can you believe it? After 20 years as a Republican Matt switched to the Democratic party! He said 'I don't feel the country is headed down the right path.' It's like when I tried to give Ken a makeover and he ended up with turquoise hair – sometimes you just have to admit things aren't working right? It shows how important it is to be true to your feelings and that it’s ok to change.

Tariffs: A 'Totally Rad' Buzzkill

Okay so the stock market is bouncing back but small businesses are stuck. Tariffs from China are still super high. Like 'What was I made for?' If it wasn’t to report the news. Guardian Baseball is feeling the pinch and some businesses are even pausing new product development. Talk about a 'beach off'!

CEOs vs. Reality: A 'Malibu Ave' Disconnect?

Here’s where it gets a little ‘strange but good’ some surveys show CEOs aren't too worried about a recession. But other business owners are feeling the stress. Alfred Mai co founder of ASM Games is worried about his holiday inventory. He’s rushing shipments because he doesn’t know what will happen after the 90 day pause on tariffs. It's like planning a fashion show and realizing you forgot the shoes—panic!

Deals and No Deals: A 'Come On Barbie Let's Go Party' Letdown

Trump and China had trade talks in London and there's a preliminary agreement in place. But Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports won't change yet. So basically it's a 'Barbie Land' promise with a lot of waiting. "President Xi and I are going to work closely to open up China to American Trade," Trump wrote in a post. "This would be a great WIN for both countries!!!"

The Waiting Game: 'Everything's on Hold'!

Like Kubancik Alfred Mai is mostly waiting. He said he would rather take a gut punch now than to potentially be wiped out in the future by a massive tariff increase. He'll likely have to raise prices by 10% to 20% and hope that consumers are willing to pay. At Down Under Bedding Tony Sagar says "everything's on hold." It shows that some people are at the breaking point.