Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined small business leaders at Shopify's new West Coast port in Bellevue to disuss tariffs and how AI is changing small business commerce.

Tariffs drive up operating costs, especially for smaller businesses that operate with thinner margins. Small business importers paid over $300,000 more on average in tariffs last year. These fees are often passed along to consumers, who paid $1,700 more for everyday products in the last 12 months due to tariffs. Washington state is particularly impacted by changes in trade policy, with four-in-ten jobs tied to international commerce.

AI is the biggest change in how people buy and sell since the internet began. The growing adoption of this tool presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. While larger corporations have implemented AI at a faster rate, small business adoption is accelerating: 58% use generative AI tools, more than doubling from 23% in 2023. Shopify has been at the forefront of AI-powered commerce, recently enabling its merchants to sell directly through AI platforms like ChatGPT and integrating new AI shopping features with Google.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. As the global policy and technological landscape continues to rapidly shift, we need to ensure that entrepreneurs can keep up with their larger competitors. That’s why I’ve championed smart trade and technology policy in Congress to ensure that businesses of all sizes can drive global commerce and continue to innovate,” said DelBene. “I thank Shopify for hosting this insightful discussion and their work to support small businesses in our community and across the country.”

“AI is the biggest unlock for small businesses in a generation. For the first time, a merchant selling handmade goods out of their home in Washington has the same tools as a Fortune 500 retailer, and that levels the playing field in a way that wasn't possible before. We appreciate Congresswoman DelBene’s commitment to the entrepreneurs building here, and look forward to continuing to work with her advocating on their behalf,” said Jeff Sadosky, Head of U.S. Government and Public Affairs, Shopify.

Small businesses participating in the discussion included glassybaby (Bellevue), Olson's Tack Shop (Bellevue), sskein (Bellevue), Further Records (Kirkland), Loma Hair Care (Monroe), CrownBees (Woodinville), and indi chocolate (Seattle).