What Parents Need to Know About Back-to-School Costs and Tariffs

As families gear up for back-to-school shopping, many are feeling the pinch—but the full impact of President Trump’s tariff policies on everyday essentials may not have arrived yet. While most back-to-school items remain affordable for now, certain categories—like educational supplies, furniture, and sports equipment—are already showing price increases that can affect household budgets.

School Supplies Are Slowly Getting More Expensive

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of “educational books and supplies”—which includes textbooks and reference materials—has risen 9% compared to last year as of May 2025. For parents of elementary, high school, and college students alike, these extra costs can add up quickly.

Jason Miller, a supply chain professor at Michigan State University, says that although prices haven’t surged across the board, families are paying more now than they would be without tariffs. “Right now, it’s not going to be that pronounced,” he said, “but compared to a world without these tariffs, you’re paying more for back-to-school.”

Why Prices Haven’t Spiked All at Once

Some back-to-school items were imported and stocked in U.S. warehouses before the latest round of tariffs took effect. That’s helped cushion the impact on things like notebooks, backpacks, and writing utensils—at least for now.

“These products have been in the country since June or July,” explains Rudolf Leuschner, a professor of supply chain management at Rutgers. “So they’re already available locally.”

Additionally, items like pencils and folders are generally inexpensive and easy to substitute. Leuschner points out, “Most parents aren’t insisting on a specific brand of No. 2 pencil—they just need something that works.”

But Some Categories Are Already Seeing Increases

While basic supplies remain relatively stable, other categories are seeing noticeable hikes:

• Sports Equipment: Prices began rising in June after months of decline, which experts say aligns with the start of Trump’s new round of tariffs.

• Furniture and Dorm Essentials: For parents helping teens prepare for college, furniture and home goods like rugs, curtains, and bedding have become more expensive. Prices are up 1% in the first half of 2025 after declining the year before.

For many families, these increases—though not extreme—can make an already stressful season even harder. Rising costs for basic school needs can force caregivers to make difficult trade-offs.

Tariffs at a 90-Year High

While the Trump administration paused some tariffs in April, others are expected to resume soon. A last-minute announcement on July 31 introduced another 90-day pause on tariffs for Mexican imports—but broader trade policies remain unpredictable.

What is certain: The average U.S. tariff rate is now at its highest level since 1934. According to a recent Yale University report, American families can expect to spend approximately $2,400 more this year due to these tariffs.