Chinese tariffs could increase prices of consumer electronics and toys

WASHINGTON (TNND) — If President Trump imposes 10% tariffs on all Chinese goods, some consumer products could see their prices increase. Consumer electronics products, such as cell phones, televisions and computers, were among the top products the United States imported from China last year, according to federal trade data.

Communication equipment like cell phones accounted for the largest number, followed by computers and then toys. But Jason Miller, a supply chain expert at Michigan State University, tells us that if the tariff goes into effect, don’t expect the full 10% to be passed on to the consumer.

For something like toys, where the margins are very large at the retail and wholesale level, even if toys from China become 10% more expensive, if those tariffs are passed on to the consumer, you may not pay only 3 to 4% more. for these goods, Miller said.

Miller also says you shouldn’t be surprised if prices rise fairly quickly as retailers try to move these goods at a rapid pace. Excluding December, the United States imported $401 billion worth of goods from China last year.