BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 139

United States Tariffs

In the period 18 August to 31 August 2025, businesses that had not permanently stopped trading were asked what impact, if any, United States tariffs had on their business in the last month.

Figure 3: An estimated 11.2% of businesses had been impacted by US tariffs in the last month. The Manufacturing sector had the highest share affected in the last month (23.1%).

Estimated share of businesses impacted by United States tariffs in the last month. Businesses not permanently stopped trading with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 139 – 18 August to 31 August 2025.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 139 from the Scottish Government.  For Figure 3 data see table ‘USTariffsImpact’.

Currently trading businesses that had exported goods in the last 12 months were more likely to have been impacted by US tariffs. An estimated 22.9% of goods exporters were impacted by tariffs in the last month, compared to 11.2% of all businesses.

Figure 4: For goods exporters, the most-reported impact was that the business experienced additional costs (14.1%), followed by supply chain disruption (9.7%).

Estimated share of businesses by impact of United States tariffs in the last month. Businesses currently trading with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland, and who exported goods in the last 12 months. Wave 139 – 18 August to 31 August 2025.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 139 from the Scottish Government.  For Figure 4 data see table ‘USImpact_GoodsExporters’.