Executives from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot met with President Trump this week to discuss the impact of tariffs on imported goods, especially ahead of the critical back-to-school, Halloween, and holiday shopping seasons. Retailers described the meeting as constructive and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering value for American consumers despite ongoing trade uncertainties.
Retailers are steadily working through existing inventories but warn that new tariffs could increase costs just as peak shopping periods begin. Some industry experts are calling the tariffs an effective “holiday tax,” with potential consequences for both pricing and product availability.
President Trump acknowledged that high tariffs, some as steep as 145%, could make certain goods harder to sell. Retailers emphasized their efforts to diversify supply chains and mitigate price increases, although many have cautioned investors about possible future adjustments.
Tensions between the U.S. and China remain high, with Chinese officials stating that no current negotiations on tariffs are underway.
Retailers continue to advocate for policies that balance fair trade practices while minimizing consumer impact.
