U.S. retailers are warning that consumers could face empty store shelves and supply chain disruptions if President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China remain at current levels. The tariffs, which have reached 145% on nearly all Chinese imports, have led to companies canceling orders and shipments from China. As a result, freight vessel arrivals at ports are down, creating uncertainty for retailers planning for upcoming shopping seasons. The National Retail Federation expects imports to drop by 20% in the second half of the year if tariffs continue. Products like footwear, apparel, toys, and electronics will likely be impacted the most due to heavy manufacturing concentration in China. President Trump has indicated a possible reduction in tariffs, but the effects of disrupted supply chains could persist for weeks or months, leading to shortages and increased prices. Small businesses, lacking resources to stock up ahead of tariffs, are facing significant financial strain. If tariffs are not reduced soon, thousands of unclaimed containers of goods may clog U.S. ports, further disrupting the supply chain. The overall impact could lead to decreased consumer spending, excess trucking capacity, and a potential shortage of drivers in the trucking industry. Retailers urge timely resolution to prevent prolonged disruptions in the supply chain and ensure product availability for consumers.
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