US retailers haggle with suppliers after Trump tariffs

NEW YORK, Mar 24 (Reuters): US retailers Walmart and Target are bickering behind the scenes with their suppliers over proposed price hikes on everything from cake pans, tote bags and toys to other merchandise.

The outcome of their talks will determine when and by how much merchandise prices rise - and even which products retailers will keep on store shelves.

Major retailers say they can't just raise retail prices without losing market share and alienating American shoppers. Their stance is leading to acrimonious discussions about pricing with goods suppliers whose costs have shot up following President Donald J. Trump's tariffs.

In kitchenware, David Dalquist, the CEO of Nordic Ware, a small cookware manufacturer, has been hit hard by Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on aluminum imports.