A small San Francisco business that has specialized in Italian imports for decades is now facing serious financial strain due to rising tariffs and a weakening dollar.

Deborah Baldini, co-owner of Biordi Art Imports, says that the cost of doing business has surged, threatening the future of the beloved North Beach shop that has been in operation for nearly 80 years.

“These tariffs—they’re killing us,” Baldini told NBC Bay Area. “They’ve absolutely had a negative impact on our business.”

Biordi Art Imports is known for its high-end, hand-crafted Italian ceramics, including ornate dishes, decorative busts, and other artisanal pieces. But because all of their products are imported from Italy, the costs associated with tariffs hit them directly and hard.

Baldini shared a recent FedEx invoice that included $241.98 in tariff fees for a single shipment—just one example of the growing burden. With the added pressure of a weaker U.S. dollar, she estimates their operating costs have risen by about 25% compared to last year.

Despite signs that San Francisco is recovering from the economic downturn, Baldini says foot traffic hasn’t translated into more sales.

“Prices are going up,” she explained. “We already operate in the luxury market because everything we sell is hand-painted and hand-crafted. There’s a limit to how much customers are willing to pay. At some point, people just stop buying.”

She added that while more people are out and about in the city, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re spending money—especially on premium items like Italian ceramics.

As the shop faces growing financial pressure, Biordi’s situation highlights how international trade policies can hit small, niche businesses especially hard—especially those that rely on specialized, imported goods. For Baldini, staying afloat is becoming increasingly difficult.