Major US retailers face price hikes because of Trump’s tariffs which impose 10% on imports and 30% on Chinese products. Walmart CEO John David Rainey stated the company plans price increases for imported bananas that may reach 54 cents per pound and car seats that could cost an additional $100. Mattel plans to increase its product prices even though it is moving its manufacturing operations. The US-China tariff truce (30% and 10%) offers relief, but costs remain high. The implementation of tariffs according to economists results in higher consumer prices throughout global supply chains even though Trump stated the tariffs would boost American manufacturing. The Canadian retail company Loblaw has also informed customers about price increases because of retaliatory trade restrictions. The US economy heavily depends on consumer spending but this essential factor faces difficulties because 60% of Americans choose to postpone their purchases according to a Harris/Guardian poll. The first quarter of 2023 saw Walmart achieve a 2.5% sales increase to $165.6 billion but its profit margin decreased by 12%. The retail industry works to transfer costs to customers without losing customer base while facing potential economic slowdown and inflation risks in this unstable trade environment.
