Tariff hit on school supplies: What parents should know

School Supplies and Tariffs

Several school supplies are already feeling the impact of tariffs. Items such as backpacks, folders, and some electronics are commonly made overseas, making them vulnerable to tariffs. 

New Changes on August 1st 

As part of its strategy to finalize trade deals, the Trump administration has been setting new tariffs on certain countries. Starting August 1st, the U.S. government will raise tariffs on products imported from several countries, including Brazil, Canada and parts of Europe. Many school supplies from these countries will face higher tariffs, which could push prices even higher. 

Efforts to Help Families

Some Oklahoma lawmakers have proposed expanding tax-free shopping weekends to include school supplies, in an attempt to ease the financial burden on families. However, many of these proposals have yet to become law, leaving parents to navigate the costs on their own.

Tips for Parents

A survey from the National Retail Federation shows 67% of back-to-school shoppers had already started buying for the coming school year as of early July - up from 55% last year.

Experts encourage families to:

1. Shop early to avoid potential price hikes
2. Shop secondhand
3. Prioritize essentials