How Rising Tariffs Could Impact Your Family’s Budget

For busy families already struggling with rising childcare costs and grocery bills, the new tariffs placed by President Trump this week is just another economic blow. 

Trump announced his reciprocal tariff plan on Wednesday, imposing a 10% baseline tax on all imports, and higher rates for certain trade partners like China. A study by Yale’s Budget Lab suggests these tariffs could cost American households an extra $3,800 this year. 

From baby formula and strollers to school supplies, here is how these tariffs may impact your family’s budget: 

Higher prices on baby essentials:

Items like formula, diapers, and baby bottles are often imported, relying heavily on global supply chains. Any rise in prices on raw materials could mean that parents will spend significantly more for these essential items. 

Higher prices on children’s gear:

If you’re shopping for a stroller, car seat, crib, or baby monitor be prepared to pay more. Many of these products are imported or contain parts impacted by tariffs. 

Rising Costs on Food and Household Supplies:

Even if your groceries are made in the US, tariffs on packaging materials like aluminium and plastic could increase the prices of essentials like baby food pouches and juice boxes. 

More expensive school and activity supplies:

Things like backpacks, sports equipment, lunch boxes, and other school supplies are often imported from China, so watch out for higher prices as the next school year starts. 

Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacture Association says, “tariffs, particularly those on Chinese imports, will negatively impact product categories like car seats and cribs that safety experts unanimously agree are critical to keeping babies and young children safe. Tariffs will mean higher costs for consumers, placing a heavy and unnecessary burden on families that will undoubtedly result in fewer babies and toddlers having access to products critical to their safety.” 

The National Parents Union also released a statement in response to Trump’s tariff announcement, “This isn’t economic liberation; it’s economic suffocation. While the President may see political gain, families across this country will feel only oppression and pain,” said union president Keri Rodrigues.