(The Hill) — Parents are feeling the pressure of potential tariff increases as they kick off their back-to-school shopping earlier than usual to avoid anticipated price hikes on school essentials, per a survey released Wednesday by U.S. News.
The survey reveals that 60% of parents have already embarked on their back-to-school shopping journey, with 62% anticipating higher spending this year compared to last.
Eighty-five percent of parents said they were concerned about rising prices due to tariffs when thinking about back-to-school shopping.
Data from the survey indicates that 57% of Americans are curbing their back-to-school purchases due to fears of price surges, focusing mainly on reducing expenses in categories like clothing and footwear, accessories, and electronics.
This year, 13% of parents anticipate spending over $500 per child on back-to-school items, a significant rise compared to nearly half of that percentage who reported the same in 2024.
Tariff-related concerns surface as President Trump prepares to introduce new tariffs on August 7, causing global market fluctuations. While discussions for agreements continue with certain countries, Canada faces a hefty 35% tariff, whereas a similar tariff for Mexico has been deferred.
Trump noted on Truth Social, “The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations due to both the challenges and advantages of the Border. We have agreed to extend, for a 90 Day period, the exact same Deal as we had for the last short period of time.”
