① The report from the National Retail Federation states that the proposed tariffs by Trump could cost usa consumers between 46 billion to 78 billion dollars each year. ② Tariffs will lead to price increases on outfits, toys, furniture, and other commodities, which retailers will ultimately pass on to consumers; ③ According to Wall Street investment banks, comprehensive imposition of high tariffs could severely hit economic growth, and retailers may collectively raise prices.
A report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) indicates that the tariffs on imports proposed by elected president Donald Trump could significantly increase the prices of outfits, toys, furniture, home appliances, footwear, and travel goods.
The report also stated that if Trump implements new tariff measures after taking office, usa consumers could lose 46 billion to 78 billion dollars in purchasing power each year, which translates to a loss of 362 to 624 dollars per individual.
Trump has stated that he will impose tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imported commodities and has even suggested tariffs of 60% to 100% on commodities from china. Additionally, Trump pointed out that if mexico does not establish stricter border regulations, he will propose a 25% tariff on mexico.
The NRF report states that if the price increases of commodities are too high, it will make it impossible for usa retailers to absorb and pass on to consumers, leading to many consumers being unwilling or unable to pay.
Goldman sachs, a major Wall Street firm, also pointed out regarding Trump's tariff policy that "the biggest risk is comprehensive imposition of high tariffs, which could severely impact economic growth."
Cost transfer.
The NRF report indicates that "tariffs are initially paid by usa importers… as products enter retail shelves, the tariff cost will also be transferred, and will manifest as an increase in the price of commodities sold to usa consumers."
According to this report by NRF, under the new tariffs, consumers will ultimately pay an additional $13.9 billion to $24 billion on outfits, $8.8 billion to $14.2 billion on toys, $8.5 billion to $13.1 billion on furniture, $6.4 billion to $10.9 billion on appliances, $6.4 billion to $10.7 billion on footwear, and $2.2 billion to $3.9 billion on travel goods.
NRF emphasizes that the six categories of items studied in the report are among the most common items for nearly every household in the usa, and that, compared to high-income families, the amount of money needed to purchase these items represents a larger proportion of net income for low-income families.
NRF states that while some manufacturers and the US Treasury may benefit, consumers' costs will exceed those benefits, resulting in a net loss for the US economy.
Last week, the chief financial officer of the largest retailer in the usa, John David Rainey, stated that if the tariffs proposed by Trump take effect, they may have to raise prices on certain commodities.$Walmart (WMT.US)$
Rainey said, "We never want to raise prices; our model is everyday low prices. But consumers may face price increases." He added that it is still too early to say which products will increase in price due to the tariffs.
USA home retail giant $Lowe's Companies (LOW.US)$ Last week, the risks brought by the tariff proposals were also discussed. During the earnings call, Lowe's companies' chief financial officer Brandon Sink stated that about 40% of the company's commodity costs come from outside the USA, so tariffs will definitely increase product costs.
In addition, brands such as American affordable cosmetics brands$e.l.f. Beauty (ELF.US)$, and footwear manufacturer Steve Madden have also raised this concern, stating that if the tariff increases take effect, the company may be forced to raise prices.
Earlier this month, NRF CEO Matthew Shay described comprehensive tariffs as "a tax on american families" in a statement. He indicated that it "will drive inflation and price increases and lead to unemployment."
Editor/Rocky