Shoppers Hit by Tariffs on Store Receipts
American consumers are feeling the sting of the trade war, with shoppers hit by tariffs now spotting a new charge on their store receipts: a “tariff surcharge.” Retailers say these fees help offset rising import costs, especially from countries like China.
Despite President Trump’s recent 90-day pause on new tariffs, businesses are already passing extra costs on to customers. These added fees, often labeled as surcharges, now affect everything from wedding gowns to electronics.
Trump’s Trade War Trickles to the Checkout
In the sexual wellness industry, the surcharge is personal. Alexandra Fine, CEO of Dame, told The Wall Street Journal her company began tacking on a $5 “Trump Tariff Surcharge” to purchases.
“It doesn’t cover the full cost—not even close,” Fine explained. “But it felt better than pretending everything’s fine.”
Her company manufactures in China, which is currently facing a punishing 145% tariff from the U.S. under Trump’s aggressive trade strategy.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy added to the alarm, telling CNBC that the cost burden has shifted from sellers to shoppers. With 60% of Amazon’s third-party sellers based in China, many are now pricing in the new tariffs to stay afloat.
Prices Surge on Imported Goods
Bridal shops are also feeling the heat. Paul Virilli, co-owner of Jan’s Boutique in New Jersey, told CBS News that dresses from China and Vietnam have already jumped in price.
“We hope China and the U.S.’ relationship gets fixed and resolved,” he said. “So we can continue to sell this dress at the price it’s marked at.”
The rising cost of imported goods has left shoppers hit by tariffs scrambling to keep up as price tags inch higher across the board. In some cases, companies are choosing to eat part of the added cost to avoid alienating their customer base — but not everyone can afford to do so.
White House Seeks Resolution
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a glimmer of hope on Friday, stating that Trump remains “optimistic” about striking a deal with Beijing. She confirmed the president is willing to negotiate.
“The president has made it very clear he’s open to a deal with China,” Leavitt said. “He would be gracious if China intends to make a deal with the United States.”
Currently, China enforces an 84% tariff on American imports, adding pressure on both sides to reach a resolution.
Until then, shoppers hit by tariffs will continue to bear the cost of the ongoing economic battle — one receipt at a time.
