Retail Groups Ask Trump to Back Off Tariffs

The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs on virtually all U.S. trading partners have drawn fire from two major retail trade associations: the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). Both fear the tariffs will raise prices for American shoppers.

Below are the full statements from representatives of each group:

NRF EVP of Government Relations David French:

“More tariffs equal more anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers. While leaders in Washington may not care about higher prices, hardworking American families do.

“Eighty-eight percent of voters say that small businesses play an important role in their local economy, according to an NRF poll conducted by Morning Consult. These tariffs will have a disproportionate impact on local communities and will be particularly harmful to small retailers.

“Voters do not see tariffs as helping vulnerable communities including blue collar workers, rural communities, families with young children, low-income households, the elderly and farmers.

“Tariffs are a tax paid by the U.S. importer that will be passed along to the end consumer. Tariffs will not be paid by foreign countries or suppliers.

“Even more so, the immediate implementation of these tariffs is a massive undertaking and requires both advance notice and substantial preparation by the millions of U.S. businesses that will be directly impacted.

“We encourage President Trump to hold trading partners accountable and restore fairness for American businesses without creating economic uncertainty and higher prices for American families.”

RILA SEVP, Public Affairs, Michael Hanson:

“The American people are counting on President Trump to grow the U.S. economy and end inflation. Unfortunately, the President’s plan for universal tariffs on household goods – including clothing, groceries, home goods and school supplies – will raise costs on every American family. The President’s plan is not a targeted attempt to protect American innovation or national security but will hit every family’s budget. Americans cannot afford another round of price increases.

“These newly announced tariffs — and the expected retaliatory tariffs on American businesses — risk destabilizing the U.S. economy, undermining the goals of bolstering domestic manufacturing and growth. We urge the President and his economic team not to abandon the pro-growth policies that powered his first term — namely the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Before lasting damage is done to the economy and family budgets, we urge the White House to reconsider its course.”