President Donald Trump’s next salvo in the trade fight could tax the shirt off America’s back -- literally.
The U.S. president’s threat to impose tariffs on virtually everything the country imports from China means everyday items including clothes and shoes in closets across America could be targeted, from Victoria’s Secret bras and Under Armour sports gear to Nike shoes. There will likely be no escape for Apple smartphones, either.
Trump on Friday said he’s lined up an additional $267 billion of Made-in-China products to tax “on short notice if I want.” Coupled with already proposed levies on $200 billion of goods that would crank up the price of household goods like fridges and freezers, the move would drag the American consumer squarely into Trump’s fight, with manufacturers and retailers from Target Corp. to Samsonite International SA warning tariffs will result in higher prices.
Here’s how the trade war might smack Americans next from head to toe:
On the Noggin
The U.S. imported about $1 billion worth of sunglasses, goggles and other eye wear last year from China, making it the top supplier, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Chinese-made Prive Revaux sunglasses now sold online at Walmart.com and priced at $29.95 may not be such a bargain.
China is also the top source for scarves and shawls, and the second-biggest supplier of hearing aids, according to U.S. data. At least one piece of headgear looks to be exempt from an import tariff: “Make America Great Again” caps are “proudly made in the USA,” according to donaldjtrump.com, Trump’s campaign website.
Covering the Gut
That weekend favorite, the do-it-all sweater, is in danger. The U.S. imported $4.6 billion of them from China in 2017 and another $606 million in T-shirts, tank tops and other casual shirts. Trump has tried to keep clothing staples in American closets out of the tariff fight, especially with mid-term elections due in November. Shoppers trying to keep warm this winter may see prices rise at Macy’s and Burlington Stores Inc. China is also the top exporter to the U.S. of men’s and women’s overcoats.
Hand-in-Hand