The Trade War’s Impact on Consumers

President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with China is having a ripple effect on the United States, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that American consumers will bear the brunt of the costs. As the trade war drags on, companies are starting to pass on the expenses to customers in the form of "tariff surcharges" on receipts.

Companies Begin Implementing Tariff Surcharges

Earlier this week, it was reported that small business owners on Reddit were discussing the possibility of adding tariff surcharges to their products. Now, companies are taking action. Furniture companies Hem and Industry West have informed customers that they will be raising prices due to the trade war. Other home goods and appliances companies, including those that sell wellness, cooking, furniture, and electronics products, have also followed suit.

Micron and Dame Institute Tariff Surcharges

U.S.-based chipmaker Micron will begin imposing new charges to offset the costs associated with the president’s tariff regime, as its manufacturing sites are mostly based in Asia. Meanwhile, sexual wellness brand Dame has announced a $5 surcharge on its products to make up for the cost of importing vibrators from China. "We’ve made the tough call to adjust prices to be able to keep bringing you the quality, body-safe products you love," the company stated.

Impact on Day-to-Day Products

As the trade war continues, it’s likely that the prices of everyday products, such as coffee, will also rise. Coffee is expected to spike in price soon, which could have a significant impact on Americans’ daily lives. Many coffee beans are sourced from Asian countries, which have been hit with tariffs, making it likely that the cost of coffee will increase.

Food and Clothing Sellers Also Affected

Food and clothing sellers have expressed concern over the rising cost of doing business due to the trade war. Companies have stated that they plan to pass on the costs to customers, with some considering adding a "tariff surcharge" to their receipts. "We take a little bit of a hit on our margins, but we still have to pass something off to our customers because there’s no way anyone in our position can eat 24%," said Nobu Yamanashi, the head of seafood company Yama Seafood.

Transparent Tariff Surcharges

Some retailers have announced that they will be adding a line to their receipts that explicitly spells out how much of the final total is due to Trump’s tariffs. This means that consumers can expect to see a clear breakdown of the costs associated with the trade war when they make purchases. As the trade war continues, it’s essential for consumers to be aware of the potential impact on their wallets.