American Consumers Face Significant Tariff-Related Increases in Monthly Spending

The Economic Burden of Tariffs on U.S. Consumers

Recent research conducted by Omnisend has uncovered alarming statistics regarding the impact of tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. A survey comprising 1,200 U.S. adults has shown that the additional financial burden caused by these tariffs amounts to about $12.2 billion each month, representing an average of $47 extra spending per adult. This figure highlights the growing concern about the inflated costs that consumers must now grapple with as a direct consequence of trade policy changes.

In the wake of these tariffs, 66% of Americans expressed awareness of rising prices on a variety of goods, significantly affecting their shopping behavior. Major retail platforms such as Amazon (39%), Temu (30%), and Walmart (27%) have been identified as the most notable sources of price hikes. Many consumers have reported that they now face monthly expenditure increases of $100 or more, proving the expansive reach of the tariff policy adjustments.

Interestingly, public sentiment reflects a growing discontent toward tariffs, with nearly 49% of surveyed individuals opposing them. This marks an increase from 42% in a similar survey conducted just a few months earlier in February 2025. Support for tariffs remains relatively low at 28%, while a portion of the population, 23%, remains neutral on the issue. In fact, a larger segment—43%—has shown willingness to pay more for domestically-made products, up from 40% previously noted.

Dr. Marty Bauer, an ecommerce expert at Omnisend, explained that although tariffs might not be explicitly listed in grocery bills or online checkouts, their effects are profoundly felt in the final totals. Consumers feel the pinch in their overall spending power, which has consequently resulted in an increase in monthly expenditures. "Families are left with less financial flexibility at the month's end," remarked Bauer.

Shifting Consumer Behavior

As economic pressures mount, American shoppers are reassessing their purchasing habits, migrating away from platforms heavily impacted by these tariffs. A significant 68% of consumers have either reduced their purchases or are opting for alternatives, with many turning away from Chinese marketplaces including Temu and Shein. This pivot is largely attributed to the expiration of the de minimis rule for Chinese goods, which previously allowed for small packages under $800 to enter the country without incurring extra duties, effectively eliminating the competitive edge these platforms had.

The fallout from these tariff-related changes has led to Temu temporarily halting their U.S. advertising campaigns and restricting user visibility on items shipped from China. With fewer attractive listings and higher prices, consumers have begun switching to other options that provide better bargains.

Moreover, many are exploring cross-border purchasing alternatives. Approximately 23% of respondents reported either having purchased or actively searching for items from Canada or Mexico to sidestep the recent price increases, with an additional 26% indicating they might do so if price trends continue. Outlet shopping remains viable with the de minimis rule still applying for these neighboring countries—a situation poised to change once the rule extends beyond North America.

Bauer warned, "While the de minimis rule remains for Canada and Mexico, allowing consumers to avoid extra fees, this will change soon, affecting cross-border shopping options significantly. The impending expiration of this rule for the rest of the world should alarm consumers looking for cost-efficient solutions."

Conclusion

The tumult caused by recent tariff implementations has provoked not only economic but also emotional responses from consumers seeking financial stability amid rising prices. With shifts in shopping patterns and a notable decrease in reliance on Chinese marketplaces, Americans are actively searching for financially viable alternatives. As we move forward, the long-term implications of these tariff challenges will remain pivotal in shaping consumer behavior and the overall market landscape.

This survey, commissioned by Omnisend, underscores the urgent need for consumers to adapt and rethink their purchasing strategies as they navigate the evolving economic landscape in a post-tariff world. Customers can find additional insights on the comprehensive findings of the survey at Omnisend's blog.