- United States
- N.C.
- Letter
I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing tariffs that are significantly contributing to inflation and making everyday goods increasingly unaffordable for American consumers like myself. The impact of these tariffs on our economy and personal finances cannot be overstated, and I urge you to take immediate action to remove them.
Recent data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank shows that companies are passing on 35% of tariff costs directly to consumers, with Goldman Sachs research suggesting this could eventually rise to 55%. This translates to real financial pain for your constituents. The Consumer Price Index has already climbed 2.9% from last year, exceeding the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Tariffs alone accounted for 0.5 percentage points of headline PCE inflation between June and August.
The scope of this issue is staggering. S&P Global analysts estimate that tariffs will cost U.S. businesses an additional $1.2 trillion in 2023, with consumers bearing the brunt of these costs. In fact, companies have already passed on about $592 billion in tariff costs to consumers through higher prices on a wide range of products including furniture, car parts, electronics, and musical instruments.
While the White House defends these tariffs as beneficial for the manufacturing sector and long-term job growth, the immediate and tangible harm to consumers and businesses is clear. Corporate earnings have been reduced by $315 billion due to these tariffs, potentially stifling economic growth and job creation.
I implore you to prioritize the financial well-being of your constituents by advocating for the immediate removal of these tariffs. The data clearly shows that they are fueling inflation and making life more expensive for everyday Americans. We need policies that reduce costs and promote economic stability, not ones that artificially inflate prices and burden consumers.
Please take swift action to address this pressing issue. Our economic recovery and the financial health of your constituents depend on it.