Shortages ahead? These Chinese-made products may soon be hard to find on US shelves
Trump’s tariffs are having an effect across the world, with US citizens paying the ultimate price.
As we all know, Donald Trump’s tariffs are plunging the entire world into a period of economic uncertainty, with his rash decisions and seemingly random way of thinking causing mayhem for businesses across the globe.
Since placing his so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on nations that did not deserve them, products in the United States have become not only more expensive but more difficult to find, as the average working person pays the price for his choices. This is something he even admitted, saying recently that it’s going to be “a tough time” thanks to his economic policy.
China is one country always on the mind of the 47th President. His obsession with being ”ripped off” by China has infiltrated every moment of his discourse, making its way into the news time and time again as Trump continues on his crusade to pain them as the enemy.
However, what is undeniable is the fact that the United States relies heavily on China for imports and exports, and the 145% tariffs placed on the Asian nation is starting to bear rotten fruits in the US markets.
Plenty of goods are made, part-made or assembled in China before being sent to the States, and as China moves away from the other great power, these things - baby products, school products and other items - will simply become harder to find.
“Once this pull-forward effect fades, U.S. companies could face inventory shortfalls and restocking challenges, especially for back-to-school and holiday goods,” analysts with investment bank TD Cowen wrote in a research note that assessed the impact of tariffs on supply chains. “Companies and products with high exposure to China and its manufacturing are most at risk of shortages,” they added.
CBS write that supplies of computers, cars, cell phones and electric storage batteries have all been pulled forward, as the stock within the US lowers. As for a potential disaster, that could come with toys, notes TD Cowen analysts: “among [the products at risk], toys stand out as particularly vulnerable, raising concerns about potential shortages during the critical holiday season."
TD Cowen’s analysis notes that the following products could be at risk:
Down Feathers: The U.S. brings in $1.9 billion worth of down feathers - a popular insulating material found in jackets and comforters - from China, making up 77% of its total imports.
Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment: China supplies over $30 billion in toys, games, and sports gear to the U.S., accounting for just over 73% of total imports in this segment.
Textile Art: More than half of all U.S. textile art imports come from China, totaling $8.6 billion.
Footwear: China is a key source for U.S. shoe imports, providing $9.8 billion worth, or 36% of the market.
Cutlery: The U.S. imports $3.1 billion in cutlery and metal utensils from China, and tariffs may lead to supply shortages in this area as well.
Glassware: Nearly 30% of the glassware and related products imported into the U.S. originate from China.
Furniture and Bedding: China exports $18.5 billion in furniture and bedding to the U.S., covering 28% of the nation’s import demand in this category.
Apparel: The U.S. sources $17.3 billion in apparel from China, including nearly $10 billion in knit or crocheted garments and $7.3 billion in non-knit clothing.
Boilers, plastic and electric machinery are all at risk as well due to the tariffs.
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