Overview
- The August 1 tariff rollout will impose a 10 percent levy on most imports after a 90-day pause.
- Average planned spending per child is $858, down from $875 a year ago.
- Thirty-nine percent of parents report they cannot afford supplies and 44 percent plan to incur debt to cover costs.
- Target and other major retailers are maintaining or reducing prices on core back-to-school essentials using pre-tariff inventory.
- Economists warn that once existing stock is depleted, consumers will face higher prices driven by the new duties.