As Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports takes effect, the inflation pass-through is hitting fast—and visibly. China-based retailer Shein raised prices on over 60% of its catalog, with some home goods up more than 300% and beauty products surging 51%. Bloomberg’s sample cart showed a 10%+ spike across hundreds of items in just two days.
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Amazon sellers are feeling it too. SmartScout tracked 930 items with price hikes averaging +29%, driven by rising import costs. Zulay Kitchen raised prices on staples like milk frothers and laid off 19% of staff. Chinese brands like Anker have adjusted pricing across one-fifth of U.S. listings. Sellers are shifting production to Vietnam and Mexico, but the reorientation will take time. In the interim, consumers are absorbing a hidden tax on daily purchases.
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While the White House insists inflation is under control, household budgets are telling a different story. Data on AirBnB rental occupancy, shown below, has fallen from 62% to 53% in just a short time. Some markets are experiencing 40% occupancy rates, which are likely not high enough to cover mortgages on expensive investment properties purchased during COVID-times.

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