Consider This from NPR cover image

Consider This from NPR

Tariffs will boost prices a lot — here's how much

Apr 9, 2025
Martha Gimbel, the executive director and co-founder of the Budget Lab at Yale, discusses the implications of President Trump's aggressive tariff policies. She takes listeners on a virtual shopping trip, revealing how everyday items like t-shirts and medications will cost significantly more due to these tariffs. Gimbel highlights the disproportionate impact on lower-income households and the broader economic effects, including potential GDP losses. The conversation unfolds the complexities of global trade, showing how different nations adapt to this tariff landscape.
10:33

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The new tariffs implemented by the Trump administration are projected to increase consumer prices significantly, impacting essentials like clothing and food.
  • Lower-income households will bear the brunt of these price hikes, facing an estimated annual financial burden of $4,600 due to the tariff increases.

Deep dives

Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Prices

The implementation of new tariffs by the Trump administration has resulted in significant price increases across various consumer goods. For instance, prices for clothing items, such as plain T-shirts, are projected to rise by around 45% due to high tariffs on imported clothing from countries like Vietnam. In contrast, staple food items like sugar are expected to see a more modest increase of about 4% because of relatively higher domestic production levels. However, other essentials, such as rice, are facing a steep increase of approximately 27%, primarily due to reliance on imports from Asia.

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