Why Tariffs hurt the middle-class

[PopMartian]

Hey, listen up! Americans are feeling the pinch of tariffs, and it’s not just in their wallets. You know those fancy appliances, computers, and books you love? Well, they’re getting more expensive because of tariffs. And guess what? Housing costs might go up too!

Now, businesses tried to stock up on stuff before tariffs hit full force, so they didn’t have to raise prices right away. But here’s the thing, those costs are now being passed on to us, the consumers. And that means we’re all paying more for the things we need and want.

And it’s not just about the stuff we buy. Tariffs can also make it harder for people to afford housing. If building materials like steel and lumber get more expensive, it means homes will cost more to build. And guess who ends up paying for that? We do!

• So, what does all this mean for us? Well, it’s not great news. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable because they spend a bigger chunk of their income on goods. And if prices keep rising, they might not be able to make ends meet.
• And it’s not just about the money. People across the political spectrum are worried about their finances, unemployment, and inflation. And tariffs are definitely a factor in all that.
• Now, here’s the thing: the effects of tariffs aren’t showing up right away. It’s like a slow boil, and prices are slowly creeping up. So, we need to pay attention and do something about it before it’s too late.

 

[dmpi]

Never underestimate the power of the consumer. They can price shop, they can substitute, they can do without. With corporate America making record profits they can easily give back some of those profits by eating some of the tariff costs. But they're not going to do it unless the consumer shows them they're serious about prices. If the consumer is actually running out of money (which I have my doubts) then this would happen as a normal course of action. What I think I'm seeing is more anti-Trump whining than any real desperation.

 

[mrjurrs]

Hey, listen up! Americans are feeling the pinch of tariffs, and it’s not just in their wallets. You know those fancy appliances, computers, and books you love? Well, they’re getting more expensive because of tariffs. And guess what? Housing costs might go up too!

Now, businesses tried to stock up on stuff before tariffs hit full force, so they didn’t have to raise prices right away. But here’s the thing, those costs are now being passed on to us, the consumers. And that means we’re all paying more for the things we need and want.

And it’s not just about the stuff we buy. Tariffs can also make it harder for people to afford housing. If building materials like steel and lumber get more expensive, it means homes will cost more to build. And guess who ends up paying for that? We do!

• So, what does all this mean for us? Well, it’s not great news. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable because they spend a bigger chunk of their income on goods. And if prices keep rising, they might not be able to make ends meet.
• And it’s not just about the money. People across the political spectrum are worried about their finances, unemployment, and inflation. And tariffs are definitely a factor in all that.
• Now, here’s the thing: the effects of tariffs aren’t showing up right away. It’s like a slow boil, and prices are slowly creeping up. So, we need to pay attention and do something about it before it’s too late.

Elections have consequences, so I don't want to hear anyone that voted for this complain about it.

Too late...
"NEWPORT, Ark. (KATV) — Hundreds of struggling Arkansas farmers are pleading with the federal government to provide emergency funding amid a farm economy crisis."

Hundreds of struggling Arkansas farmers ask federal government to save them

Hundreds of struggling Arkansas farmers are pleading with the federal government to provide emergency funding amid a farm economy crisis.Almost everything that

katv.com

 

[OrphanSlug]

How you prompt AI is important.

Tariffs are a regressive tax because post the payment made to the government on import that new "cost" to the importer is passed down to the consumer as a flat cost increase. Therefor, the further you go down the income quintile list the more harm is done to the consumer by group.

If you take the standard basket of expected goods and services we all buy and increase the cost of that by for argument's sake $1000 per year.

What happens is the impact to those making $1M or more per year absorb the costs in a manner that is more difficult for those at $160K, then $100K, then $62K and lastly at $32K per year.

That makes this regressive, and by analysis the top 2 income quintiles can weather what the bottom 3 cannot.

 

[Mycroft]

Hey, listen up! Americans are feeling the pinch of tariffs, and it’s not just in their wallets. You know those fancy appliances, computers, and books you love? Well, they’re getting more expensive because of tariffs. And guess what? Housing costs might go up too!

Now, businesses tried to stock up on stuff before tariffs hit full force, so they didn’t have to raise prices right away. But here’s the thing, those costs are now being passed on to us, the consumers. And that means we’re all paying more for the things we need and want.

And it’s not just about the stuff we buy. Tariffs can also make it harder for people to afford housing. If building materials like steel and lumber get more expensive, it means homes will cost more to build. And guess who ends up paying for that? We do!

• So, what does all this mean for us? Well, it’s not great news. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable because they spend a bigger chunk of their income on goods. And if prices keep rising, they might not be able to make ends meet.
• And it’s not just about the money. People across the political spectrum are worried about their finances, unemployment, and inflation. And tariffs are definitely a factor in all that.
• Now, here’s the thing: the effects of tariffs aren’t showing up right away. It’s like a slow boil, and prices are slowly creeping up. So, we need to pay attention and do something about it before it’s too late.

How about some facts to go along with your nonsense?



I hope you understand what this chart means.

 

[PopMartian]

Never underestimate the power of the consumer. They can price shop, they can substitute, they can do without. With corporate America making record profits they can easily give back some of those profits by eating some of the tariff costs. But they're not going to do it unless the consumer shows them they're serious about prices. If the consumer is actually running out of money (which I have my doubts) then this would happen as a normal course of action. What I think I'm seeing is more anti-Trump whining than any real desperation.

Show me a tariff and I will show you a tax on consumers. I see this Trump Equation as a slick way to stick it to the little-people. The rich can afford to pay more. It's the poor that are going to suffer especially the millions of Americans that fell into the trap that Social Security would be enough to live on. We have had Tariffs since the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. In fact Individuals did not pay income tax until the government needed the money to fight wars. This is the same old slight of hand being used to create an illusion that tariffs will be used to pay for the tax breaks the wealthy are entitled to as Trump was told by the 1%.

 

[PopMartian]

How about some facts to go along with your nonsense?

View attachment 67588388

I hope you understand what this chart means.

You failed to post the source of your chart. How can we trust what you posted without citing a reference. And by the way, the impact is starting to show up in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as the effects of Trump Equation to Tax Consumers kicks in. Botton Line. Inflation and Low Employment are just over the horizon and China will take advantage of it as America struggles to catch-up on the global market.

 

[Mycroft]

You failed to post the source of your chart. How can we trust what you posted without citing a reference. And by the way, the impact is starting to show up in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as the effects of Trump Equation to Tax Consumers kicks in. Botton Line. Inflation and Low Employment are just over the horizon and China will take advantage of it as America struggles to catch-up on the global market.

It's not hard to find BLS data, but here you go: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ppi.nr0.htm

And while I'm at it, here's a link that tells you what the chart means...without all of your Chicken Little nonsense: https://theconservativetreehouse.co...ufacturers-and-suppliers-absorb-tariff-costs/

 

[JohnfrmClevelan]

Never underestimate the power of the consumer. They can price shop, they can substitute, they can do without. With corporate America making record profits they can easily give back some of those profits by eating some of the tariff costs. But they're not going to do it unless the consumer shows them they're serious about prices. If the consumer is actually running out of money (which I have my doubts) then this would happen as a normal course of action. What I think I'm seeing is more anti-Trump whining than any real desperation.

Why put consumers (and businesses) through this in the first place?

That's where the "anti-trump whining" is coming from. The guy is a moron, and he screwed up bigly with his tariff war. Just admit it.

 

[PopMartian]

It's not hard to find BLS data, but here you go: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ppi.nr0.htm

And while I'm at it, here's a link that tells you what the chart means...without all of your Chicken Little nonsense: https://theconservativetreehouse.co...ufacturers-and-suppliers-absorb-tariff-costs/

The data you presented is represented by manufacturers and producers ie, corporations with billions of equity. My point is clearly based on individuals ie Retail Consumers. Again I must reiterate that this is the point in time when consumers are starting to feel their wallet getting lighter...

PPI Data verse CPI. Reality Check. The Consumer Price Index

News Releases​

CPI for all items rises 0.2% in July; shelter up
08/12/2025

In July, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 2.7 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.3 percent in July (SA); up 3.1 percent over the year (NSA).
HTML | PDF | RSS | Charts | Local and Regional CPI

Next Release​

August 2025 CPI data are scheduled to be released on September 11, 2025, at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/

 

[dmpi]

Why put consumers (and businesses) through this in the first place?

That's where the "anti-trump whining" is coming from. The guy is a moron, and he screwed up bigly with his tariff war. Just admit it.

I too wish the goverment can operate without funding. Right now the lions share of the tax burden is unfairly put on a tiny sliver of society.

 

[Mycroft]

The data you presented is represented by manufacturers and producers ie, corporations with billions of equity. My point is clearly based on individuals ie Retail Consumers. Again I must reiterate that this is the point in time when consumers are starting to feel their wallet getting lighter...

PPI Data verse CPI. Reality Check. The Consumer Price Index

News Releases​

CPI for all items rises 0.2% in July; shelter up
08/12/2025

In July, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 2.7 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.3 percent in July (SA); up 3.1 percent over the year (NSA).
HTML | PDF | RSS | Charts | Local and Regional CPI

Next Release​

August 2025 CPI data are scheduled to be released on September 11, 2025, at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/

0.2%, 2.7%, 0.3% and 3.1%

Considering tariffs are in the range of up to 50%+, those numbers indicate that the consumer is NOT paying for the tariffs. The article I referenced tells you why that is so.

 

[Fearandloathing]

Show me a tariff and I will show you a tax on consumers. I see this Trump Equation as a slick way to stick it to the little-people. The rich can afford to pay more. It's the poor that are going to suffer especially the millions of Americans that fell into the trap that Social Security would be enough to live on. We have had Tariffs since the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. In fact Individuals did not pay income tax until the government needed the money to fight wars. This is the same old slight of hand being used to create an illusion that tariffs will be used to pay for the tax breaks the wealthy are entitled to as Trump was told by the 1%.

He has successfully sold it as a tax on foreign interests.

What is also missed is the response from tariff hit countries.

New homes could jump 30 to 50% because of tariffs on Canadian softwood and softwood products, much of which the US cannot produce itself. That affects everything like furnishings and affects. Most of that won't be felt until next spring when "housing starts" will flat line.

Further, Canada, China, Korea and others have applied counter tariffs and increasing the cost of our exports, which creates inflation!

And............

Consumers, especially in Canada are boycotting pretty much everything American; Crown Royal Whiskey sales have dried up almost completely! All American booze has been either counter tariffed or removed from the shelf. And consumers are calling for an export tariff on OIL!!!!! Car dealers are pushing cars built in Canada....

Tesla sales have dropped to ZERO and drivers are complaining about scratches and dents while parked.

We will also be raising the cost of electricity as a countervail to Trump's idiocy. That will hit the pocketbook of 30% of Americans.

He started a war he can't win or finish. The only conclusion will be to end all tariffs and start over. However your North American partner is not interested in the dance.....

 

[JohnfrmClevelan]

I too wish the goverment can operate without funding. Right now the lions share of the tax burden is unfairly put on a tiny sliver of society.

Oh, the tariffs are all about raising money for the government now? On the backs of consumers, of course.

The economy was great before trump took over. Envy of the world. And our government didn't (and doesn't) need more revenue.

Attempts to rationalize these tariffs just fall flat. NOBODY outside of trump and Navarro would ever have been stupid enough to start this trade war.

 

[Peacenik]

Hey, listen up! Americans are feeling the pinch of tariffs, and it’s not just in their wallets. You know those fancy appliances, computers, and books you love? Well, they’re getting more expensive because of tariffs. And guess what? Housing costs might go up too!

Now, businesses tried to stock up on stuff before tariffs hit full force, so they didn’t have to raise prices right away. But here’s the thing, those costs are now being passed on to us, the consumers. And that means we’re all paying more for the things we need and want.

And it’s not just about the stuff we buy. Tariffs can also make it harder for people to afford housing. If building materials like steel and lumber get more expensive, it means homes will cost more to build. And guess who ends up paying for that? We do!

• So, what does all this mean for us? Well, it’s not great news. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable because they spend a bigger chunk of their income on goods. And if prices keep rising, they might not be able to make ends meet.
• And it’s not just about the money. People across the political spectrum are worried about their finances, unemployment, and inflation. And tariffs are definitely a factor in all that.
• Now, here’s the thing: the effects of tariffs aren’t showing up right away. It’s like a slow boil, and prices are slowly creeping up. So, we need to pay attention and do something about it before it’s too late.

Welcome, rational mind. I agree.

 

[Peacenik]

Never underestimate the power of the consumer. They can price shop, they can substitute, they can do without. With corporate America making record profits they can easily give back some of those profits by eating some of the tariff costs. But they're not going to do it unless the consumer shows them they're serious about prices. If the consumer is actually running out of money (which I have my doubts) then this would happen as a normal course of action. What I think I'm seeing is more anti-Trump whining than any real desperation.

This is unlikely. People are going get what they want/need and they will pay what they can afford. Prices will go up. Buying will slow down as a result. That's capitalism.

 

[Peacenik]

I too wish the goverment can operate without funding. Right now the lions share of the tax burden is unfairly put on a tiny sliver of society.

The greedy super rich need to pay far more. That's what they take out of the economy for themselves.

 

[SMTA]

How about some facts to go along with your nonsense?

View attachment 67588388

I hope you understand what this chart means.

Just more Trump lies and bullshit from you.

 

[noonereal]

Hey, listen up! Americans are feeling the pinch of tariffs, and it’s not just in their wallets. You know those fancy appliances, computers, and books you love? Well, they’re getting more expensive because of tariffs. And guess what? Housing costs might go up too!

Now, businesses tried to stock up on stuff before tariffs hit full force, so they didn’t have to raise prices right away. But here’s the thing, those costs are now being passed on to us, the consumers. And that means we’re all paying more for the things we need and want.

And it’s not just about the stuff we buy. Tariffs can also make it harder for people to afford housing. If building materials like steel and lumber get more expensive, it means homes will cost more to build. And guess who ends up paying for that? We do!

• So, what does all this mean for us? Well, it’s not great news. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable because they spend a bigger chunk of their income on goods. And if prices keep rising, they might not be able to make ends meet.
• And it’s not just about the money. People across the political spectrum are worried about their finances, unemployment, and inflation. And tariffs are definitely a factor in all that.
• Now, here’s the thing: the effects of tariffs aren’t showing up right away. It’s like a slow boil, and prices are slowly creeping up. So, we need to pay attention and do something about it before it’s too late.

Trump still says the countries are paying us!
The idiots OF MAGA who don't know the first thing about economics belive him
****in morons

 

[mike2810]

Never underestimate the power of the consumer. They can price shop, they can substitute, they can do without. With corporate America making record profits they can easily give back some of those profits by eating some of the tariff costs. But they're not going to do it unless the consumer shows them they're serious about prices. If the consumer is actually running out of money (which I have my doubts) then this would happen as a normal course of action. What I think I'm seeing is more anti-Trump whining than any real desperation.

why not just say you are ok with the tariffs.

President Trump has consistently supported policies aimed at increasing corporate profits. One can start by looking at the tax changes he has approved.

 

[Felis Leo]

I too wish the goverment can operate without funding. Right now the lions share of the tax burden is unfairly put on a tiny sliver of society.

What? No it is not. It is put on labor. Nearly everyone who works is taxed. Capitalists aren’t because owning and selling capital assets is barely taxed by comparison. We need to pass a national wealth tax, among many other things.

 

[CaughtInThe]

We told the idiots what would happen.

Now MAGAs can suck it up (much less money).

Everyone else I feel sorry for.

 

[PopMartian]

What? No it is not. It is put on labor. Nearly everyone who works is taxed. Capitalists aren’t because owning and selling capital is barely taxed by comparison.

Trump will not take salary for one reason, It is taxable. Instead, he lets his investments supply his needs and wants. If he needs cash, he simply borrows it and therefore has no earned income tax. It is the Capitalist Way of screwing the IRS.

 

[rahl]

It's not hard to find BLS data, but here you go: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ppi.nr0.htm

And while I'm at it, here's a link that tells you what the chart means...without all of your Chicken Little nonsense: https://theconservativetreehouse.co...ufacturers-and-suppliers-absorb-tariff-costs/

Conservative treehouse

 

[rahl]

I too wish the goverment can operate without funding. Right now the lions share of the tax burden is unfairly put on a tiny sliver of society.