Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 153): 2 April 2026

United States Tariffs

In the period 16 March to 29 March 2026 (Wave 153), businesses were asked what impact, if any, United States tariffs had on their business in the last month.

Figure 4: In March 2026, 13.1% businesses had been impacted by US tariffs in the last month. The Manufacturing sector had the highest share affected in the last month (25.1%).

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 153 (16 March to 29 March 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 153 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 4 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 32.0% of goods exporters were impacted by tariffs in the last month, compared to 13.1% of all businesses.

Figure 5: For goods exporters, the most reported impact of US tariffs was that the business experienced additional costs (21.1%).

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 153 (16 March to 29 March 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 153 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 5 data see table ‘USImpact_GoodsExporters’.