Overview

• President Trump hosted retail leaders at the White House to discuss the impact of the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and potential policy adjustments.
• Retail executives emphasized the need for greater predictability in trade policies and sought exemptions for consumer goods to alleviate cost pressures.
• Walmart, Target, and other retailers highlighted challenges in absorbing costs or passing them on to consumers, with warnings of potential price hikes on everyday goods.
• The National Retail Federation reiterated that tariffs act as a tax on U.S. importers, with costs likely to be transferred to consumers, affecting affordability.
• Retailers await further White House guidance on possible carve-outs or relief measures as supply chain disruptions and consumer uncertainty persist.