How Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Could Hurt Freelancers and Agency Owners in 2025

Tariffs might sound like something that only affects big corporations or global trade deals.

But this week in April 2025, Donald Trump made headlines with a sweeping tariff policy:

• A blanket 10% tariff on all U.S. imports, introduced as part of a proposed "universal baseline tariff" and Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
• Increased duties on China, bringing the total U.S. import tariffs on Chinese goods to 20% (10% existing + 10% new)
• A threat of additional tariffs—up to 50%—if China doesn’t roll back its recent 34% tariff hike by April 8. (Note: This hasn’t been implemented yet, but it signals a serious escalation in the trade standoff.)
• New tariffs targeting India and Vietnam as well, with Indian goods facing a 26% duty and Vietnamese goods hit with a steep 46%

This move targets countries like Vietnam—and to a lesser extent, India—as part of a broader effort to address trade imbalances and discourage reliance on fast-growing manufacturing hubs that U.S. companies have increasingly turned to in order to reduce costs.

The goal is to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and revive domestic manufacturing. But these aggressive trade policies are already sparking concerns—about inflation, mortgage rates tariffs, global instability, and the threat of new trade wars.

At first glance, this may seem like a political or policy-level issue, but for freelancers and agency owners working with international clients, the impact can be surprisingly personal.

First—What Are Tariffs, Really?

A tariff is a tax placed on goods or services when they cross a country’s border. Governments use them to protect local businesses by making foreign products more expensive.

But here’s the thing—tariffs don’t just raise prices. They change how companies spend.

And when costs go up for things like raw materials, logistics, or imports, many businesses start tightening budgets in other areas—especially outsourced services like marketing, design, content, tech, and consulting.

So even if you're not selling a product, if you’re based overseas and offer services to international clients, this Trump tariff policy can impact your earnings.

Economic Context and Broader Impacts

These tariffs are not just a policy issue; they represent one of the most significant U.S. protectionist trade actions since the 1930s, drawing comparisons to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Economists warn that they could reignite inflation, slow economic growth, and increase recession risks.

Beyond freelancers and agencies, industries like manufacturing, automotive, and steel are heavily impacted by rising costs and disrupted supply chains. Small businesses are delaying hiring plans or expansion due to tariff unpredictability, as reported in recent surveys. 

Public sentiment about these policies has been mixed, with Trump’s approval ratings reflecting growing concerns over economic uncertainty. Recent polls indicate declining support for his trade strategy, underscoring how divisive these tariffs have become.

Additionally, these policies have also sparked debate around Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada and other nations, contributing to shifts in public opinion regarding his approach to international trade.

How This Impacts Freelancers and Agencies—Even If You’re Miles Away

Let’s say you’re a UI/UX designer in India working with a fintech startup in San Francisco. Or you're an agency owner managing teams across multiple time zones. Technically, your work is digital, but you’re still part of the import-export chain, just in a service-based format.

Here’s what these tariff hikes could mean for you:

• Clients in the U.S. may delay or downsize international contracts
• Budgets for external, non-essential services may be slashed
• Agencies with overseas teams might see a decline in new work or renewals
• Payment cycles could become slower and more fragmented

In short, global talent becomes a costlier, riskier choice.

It’s not about your talent. It’s not about quality.

It’s about uncertainty. And when people feel uncertain, they tend to go with familiarity, a “safe” choice.

In Times Like These, Visibility Matters (Not For Promotion, But For Clarity)

This isn’t about shouting louder or self-promotion for the sake of it.

• It’s about staying visible to the clients and collaborators who already value your work.
• It’s about showing up consistently, so you’re not overlooked when decisions get harder.
• And it’s about building quiet credibility that travels, even when borders or budgets shift.

Because in uncertain times, people don’t just buy services, they buy trust. They look for what feels certain, familiar, and reliable.

When you stay consistently visible, people remember you, not just what you offer. Referrals come more naturally. And when decision-makers are choosing between a vendor and a known expert, you become the obvious choice.

You stay in their minds.

You stay in their budgets.

You stay in business.

So, What Can You Do Now?

You can’t control policy shifts, but you can control how visible and trusted you are when things get uncertain.

Start with small, intentional steps:

• Show up where your clients are—especially during moments of doubt
• Share your expertise in ways that make others feel confident choosing you
• Create proof—whether that’s case studies, testimonials, or simply showing the work
• Speak up—not to promote, but to clarify how you help, and why it matters

And, if you’re not sure how to start—or restart, here's a breakdown of our own content strategy. It’s the same one we’ve used to help freelancers, founders, and creative experts stay visible through all kinds of market shifts:

👉 LinkedIn Content Strategy Breakdown 

Hopefully, it gives you a few ideas of your own.

Because in uncertain times, people look for signals of trust.

And the more consistently you show up, the more likely you are to be one of them.