Your Money Minute Why You're Paying More For Cheaper Things 10/27/25
Oct 27, 2025
Ralph McLaughlin, a prominent chief economist, dives into the rising prices of personal care products, small electronics, and recreational gear. He explains how the removal of the de minimis exemption has led to increased tariffs, causing prices to spike for previously cheaper items. Listeners are advised to revise their holiday budgets to account for these new costs. It's a thought-provoking discussion on how economic changes directly affect everyday spending.
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Sudden September Price Surge
- Price increases from August to September were the strongest since late last year.
- Personal care, small communications devices, and recreational products saw the biggest rises.
De Minimis Rule Change Raises Costs
- Removing the de minimis exemption changed import duty rules for many low-value packages.
- That policy shift contributed to price increases for formerly tariff-free items.
Adjust Your Holiday Budget Now
- Adjust your holiday shopping budget if buying items that were previously tariff-free.
- Expect higher prices on personal care, small devices, and recreational gift items.