Why Tariff Cuts May Not Lower Consumer Prices

Media reports suggest US importers may face a lower tariff on products from Switzerland (the suggestion is that the August 39% tariff becomes 15%). Swiss imports are a rather modest contribution to the basket of goods that form US consumer price inflation. However, price reactions to a tariff cut might be an important signal. Other tariff cuts have not led to proportionate reductions in consumer prices. If this trend continues, it might create inflation stickiness if the US Supreme Court rules other tariffs to be illegal.