President Trump's new tariffs on Canadian goods have disrupted small businesses on both sides of the border. Rosie Alyea, chief sprinkle officer at Sweetapolita in Toronto, faces uncertainty as ingredients like cellulose gum and glucose are caught in the crosshairs. Zach Davis of Penny Ice Creamery in Santa Cruz imports thousands of dollars of her products annually, forcing him to quickly determine if his shipments will carry punishing new duties.

The trade war escalated Tuesday when Trump moved to ban a subset of Canadian products after Canada imposed retaliatory duties on American exports. Small business owners are caught in the crosshairs of the byzantine roster of tariffs. Dan Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business warned small owners cannot become cannon fodder in the trade war.

John Arensmeyer of Small Business Majority warned of lasting damage to U.S. small businesses, noting owners are forced to raise prices. Mr. Davis prides himself on organic, local ingredients but made an exception for Sweetapolita's rainbow sprinkles. He orders about 100 pounds every couple months, costing $1,000 to $3,000, for his seven creamery locations. As the 50 percent tariff on some Canadian goods loomed, he resolved to ask Sweetapolita directly for clarity on whether his birthday party sprinkle medley would be affected.