Small Businesses in Las Vegas Struggle Due to Trade Policies and Declining Travel

John Simmons, the proprietor of Firefly Tapas Kitchen and Bar, reports a noticeable drop in customers since Donald Trump resumed the presidency in 2025. Meanwhile, Sou Ngo, who operates Brew Tea Bar, has observed a significant decline in sales, estimating a 20% to 30% drop compared to last year due to fewer travelers visiting Las Vegas.

As costs for imported goods continue to rise because of Trump’s tariff policies and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, many small restaurant owners, including Ngo and Simmons, face increased operational challenges. Frank Fossen, an economics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, explains that the city’s heavy reliance on tourism exacerbates these difficulties. With a notable decline in international tourist spending, the landscape for small businesses has become increasingly precarious.