Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Tariffs Expected to Increase Holiday Shopping Costs
Imagine your favorite toys and gifts cost a little more money this holiday season.
That's because of new rules called tariffs that make it more expensive to bring some things into the country.
These extra costs can add up, so you might spend more money than usual.
Some things, like electronics and clothes, could get more expensive than others.
Also, stores might not have as many big sales as they used to.
Sometimes, if you order something from far away, you might even get a surprise bill for the tariff when it arrives.
But, you can still save money by planning ahead, looking for deals early, and even by buying used items, which usually don't have tariffs.
Tariffs are expected to increase consumer costs for holiday shopping.
Consumers might shoulder an estimated $28.6 billion in added costs, averaging $132 per shopper.
Holiday sales and discounts may be less generous this year due to retailer impacts from tariffs.
Electronics and clothing are projected to be hit harder by price increases than food or candy.
Shoppers can save by planning ahead, shopping secondhand, and verifying deals.
- Who
- Consumers and retailers
- What
- Tariffs are expected to increase prices and potentially reduce the generosity of holiday sales.
- When
- Leading up to and during the upcoming holiday shopping season.
- Where
- Primarily in the United States, affecting consumer purchases.
- Why
- Tariffs enacted under President Donald Trump are anticipated to catch up with consumer prices.
- Estimated Consumer Cost (2024)
- $28.6 billion
- Average Additional Spending Per Shopper
- $132
- Hardest Hit Category (2024 Estimate)
- Electronics ($186 per shopper)
- Least Hit Category (2024 Estimate)
- Food or Candy ($12 per shopper)
- Potential for Direct Tariff Bills
- Small chance upon delivery, though many companies absorb costs