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How Trump's tariffs push some importers into risky, high-cost loans

NPR | By Scott Horsley
Published February 16, 2026 at 4:42 AM EST

President Trump's tariffs can create a cash crunch for importers. They have to pay the tariff bill before they can sell their products. Some have turned to a costly form of credit. But what looks like a helping hand can turn out to be a financial chokehold.

Copyright 2026 NPR
Scott Horsley
Scott Horsley is NPR's Chief Economics Correspondent. He reports on ups and downs in the national economy as well as fault lines between booming and busting communities.
See stories by Scott Horsley
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