US President Donald Trump's threat of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese imports has sounded alarm bells among retail and trade experts, who caution it could lead to more price increases and squeeze demand, reports Reuters.
The fresh levies, set to take effect November 1, would come as shoppers and retailers enter the holiday shopping season - a period that typically accounts for a major chunk of annual retail sales - and dampen consumer sentiment, particularly among lower-income households. The tariff threat could prompt a "pull-forward of shipments" as retailers try to beat implementation timelines, said Blake Harden, managing director at Washington Council EY.
But she cautioned that accelerated imports might still be hit by duties upon arrival, leading some firms to delay orders or hold shipments in China.
"This will have ripple effects throughout the supply chain," Harden said.
The trade spat this year between the US and key trading partners has clouded the economy, weighed on forecasts for this fiscal year and stoked uncertainty for American consumers and companies alike.
Prices for everything from clothes to TVs have gone up in recent months as manufacturers and retailers struggle with the ever-changing tariff environment while also trying to
offset rising commodity and
supply-chain costs.
US retailers brace for impact as Trump's 100pc China tariffs loom
FE Team | Published: October 16, 2025 22:46:19
US retailers brace for impact as Trump's 100pc China tariffs loom
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