Walmart and Others Cite Tariffs as Reason for Price Increases

Major U.S. companies, including Walmart and Columbia Sportswear, are passing tariff-related costs to consumers, with Walmart reporting a 3% rise in prices for general merchandise attributed to increased import duties. While the White House disputes claims that tariffs are fueling inflation, data shows that prices for goods continue to rise, with a 4% increase in online goods prices in January. Recent research indicates that nearly 90% of the cost of tariffs was borne by U.S. businesses and consumers. As of January, the average U.S. tariff rate on imports reached 16.9%, the highest since 1932, affecting various product categories significantly.