Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 151): 12 March 2026

United States Tariffs

In the period 16 February to 1 March 2026 (Wave 151), businesses were asked what impact, if any, United States tariffs had on their business in the last month.

Figure 3: Around one in ten (9.6%) businesses had been impacted by US tariffs in the last month. The Manufacturing sector had the highest share affected in the last month (21.0%).

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 151 (16 February to 1 March 2026).

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 151 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘USTariffsImpact’.

Businesses that had exported goods in the last 12 months were more likely to have been impacted by US tariffs. An estimated 25.7% of goods exporters were impacted by tariffs in the last month, compared to 9.6% of all businesses.

Figure 4: For goods exporters, the most reported impact of US tariffs was that the business experienced additional costs (19.0%).

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 151 (16 February to 1 March 2026).

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 151 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 4 data see table ‘USImpact_GoodsExporters’.