Tariff Barriers Cannot Solve Productivity Problems

©iStock/Midnight Studio

Chinese experts on Tuesday [8/25/26] urged the US to recognize the basic economic reality that tariff barriers cannot solve its productivity problems and to allow US companies to share in the opportunities created by China's manufacturing development. 

They said the US' sizable trade deficits with multiple major trading partners should prompt Washington to recognize that the problem lies at home, rather than continue hyping the so-called issue of Chinese "overcapacity."

A Long Rest Stop for the Global Music Legend Dolly Parton

©iStock/fotoguy22

In true Dolly fashion, the country music legend made her final appearance with fans not at a black-tie gala but at a rest stop off I-65 in Tennessee. Not any rest stop, it's Dolly's very own rest [truck/travel] stop and one of her very last business ventures. 

Dolly Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the age of 80.  Her last public appearance was at 3686 Pulaski Highway, just off I-65, at a Tennessee truck stop that was being christened in her honor. “I could not be prouder,” Parton said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, before explaining one of the reasons she wanted to lend her name to the venture. “I’ve spent my whole life traveling down the road.” 

She went on further to say, “Good food, real rest, a little music, and people who are genuinely glad you stopped in,” she told the crowd. “That’s what the road has always deserved, and that is what you will find here. Welcome home.”

Home she is. May she rest in peace.

New Sanctions Against Iran Aim to Cut the Country Off From the Global Economy

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The Trump administration unveiled a series of new sanctions against Iran Monday, aiming to cut the country off from the global economy and block its sources of revenue.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined measures that extend beyond Iran’s borders to penalize foreign banks, companies, and countries that conduct specific business with Iran.

Bessent says [8/24/26], "Any entity that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the U.S. dollar system. The clock just started ticking."

Today in Global Small Business: What You Need to Know About the Canada-U.S. Trade War

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Canada suspended trade negotiations, triggering President Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. Mark Carney said he would retaliate “dollar for dollar.”
• The lists of hundreds of goods from Canada subject to new 50 percent tariffs from the United States are long and seemingly organized at random.
• U.S., Canada spiral toward a trade war.
• Quote of the week: “We can chart a new course by building Canada strong at home and diversifying our trading relationships abroad." – Prime Minister Carney of Canada
• As Canada readies retaliatory tariffs, Mark Carney says his nation is 'at war' with U.S.
• Canada says it has come under economic attack from the U.S.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month.  Thank you for your engagement!    

It Just Blooms

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." – Zen Shin [Koshin Ogui]

EXIM Hitting the Road with Exporting and Business Growth Resources

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The EXIM Roadshow will help companies learn how to take advantage of the power of exporting – allowing them to further build on their success, reach new markets and bring lasting economic benefits throughout a state.

The EXIM Roadshow will focus on three areas:

1. Financing options for businesses and customers to assist with expansion projects
2. Accessing local, state and national resources for international trade and business growth
3. Strengthening resources for the small business ecosystem through evolving partnerships

Learn about the Kansas EXIM Roadshow here.

Taylor Swift Break

Taylor Swift is widely considered the top contemporary singer and original songwriter dominating the music world right now. 

The Canada Booze Ban Is a Sore Point in Trade Talks

©iStock/Stockah

California Merlots, Kentucky bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys are collecting dust in Canada as alcohol becomes a high-profile hostage of trade tensions with the U.S.  What a mess.

After President Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods last year, Canada’s provincial leaders hit back. The majority of provinces exercised their power over the distribution and sale of alcohol to pull U.S.-made wine, spirits and beer from most store shelves and stopped placing new orders.

The stakes for U.S. alcohol producers are high.  Small businesses are especially vulnerable and caught in the crossfire.

Find out why.

From Immigrant to Old Navy Co-Founder: Jenny J. Ming Shares Her Story

©2026 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Join Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® for a conversation with Jenny J. Ming, Public Company Director, Former Rothy's CEO, and Old Navy Founding President on Wednesday, August 19 at 11 AM CT – LIVE.

To register and to learn more, visit: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2026/07/01/from-immigrant-to-old-navy-co-founder-building-a-life-that-matters/.

Today in Global Small Business: Storms Battering the Midwest

©iStock/Nicola Patterson

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• At least eight people have died from a storm system that has upended the Midwest and portions of the Mid-Atlantic over the past week, displacing people in several states and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of homes.
• Tropical storm Lala is sending drenching rain and winds across Hawaii.
• The flooding continued in Central Indiana Aug. 15 as water from days of rain continues to make its way downstream into Indianapolis.
• Quote of the week: “This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands." – Barack Obama
• Over 2,300 customers are without power in Franklin County (Columbus, OH) following another round of severe weather over the weekend.
• Why are the same [Chicago] suburbs being hit by tornadoes and storms? Meteorologist explains.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month.  Thank you for your engagement!    

I Adore Chicago

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"I adore Chicago.  It is the pulse of America." –  Sarah Bernhardt

Cross-Border Ambition Is Becoming Mainstream

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Geographic expansion is now the clearest growth route for professional services firms.  But they are doing it more selectively, with tighter control of risk, talent and cash. That is why geographic expansion has become the leading model. It offers access to new clients, new talent pools and new revenue lines, without forcing a fundamental change in the business model.

And it's not a niche strategy.  Cross-border ambition is becoming mainstream.