The impact of US President Donald Trump's sweeping import tariffs is now visible in consumer prices, with costs climbing across a range of everyday goods. According to the Financial Times, initial price shocks were muted as companies relied on inventories to absorb costs, but this buffer is fading and retailers are passing increases on to consumers.
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Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show sharp rises over the six months to August: audio equipment prices jumped 14%, apparel 8%, and tools and hardware 5%. These categories are heavily import-dependent, suggesting tariff costs are now fully embedded.
Retailers from apparel chains to furniture and auto parts suppliers have confirmed price hikes. Ashley Furniture, the world's largest producer, raised prices on over half its products by 3.5–12% following a new 25% tariff on upholstered goods. AutoZone has also warned of higher prices, while tariffs on Brazilian coffee and steel are fuelling rises in groceries and canned goods.
Economists estimate that while companies have so far shouldered most of the burden, consumers' share could soon rise to 60%. Analysts warn that goods inflation, subdued for two years, is set to climb further as tariffs ripple through supply chains.
Source: www.chosun.com
