For one month, a staggering 145% tariff on Chinese imports disrupted the delicate balance of global trade. Though temporary, its impact was permanent for many—proof that international commerce isn’t something you can pause and restart without consequences.

The ripple effects were swift. Some businesses found themselves blindsided. Imagine a medium-sized company with $1 million in goods suddenly facing a $1.45 million tariff bill just to release their shipments. That unexpected cost was enough to push some to the brink.

But within the chaos, there were different outcomes. Today, we share the stories of three individuals across the global supply chain—one who lost more than they could afford, one who narrowly escaped disaster, and one who found unexpected opportunity.

Their experiences paint a vivid picture of how fragile and interconnected our economic systems are. They also serve as a powerful reminder: decisions made at the policy level can reach across oceans and reshape lives overnight.