The Trump administration’s sweeping import taxes are adding pressure on U.S. families. New estimates from Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee show households paid about $1,200 in extra costs between February and November. They based the figure on Treasury tariff revenue and Goldman Sachs’ breakdown of who bears the burden.
Senator Maggie Hassan argued that the tariffs raise prices at a time when families need relief. She urged both parties to focus on lowering living costs. Yale University’s Budget Lab reports that the average U.S. tariff increased from 2.4% early this year to 16.8%, the highest level since 1935.
The White House defended the policy. Spokesman Kush Desai said the taxes encouraged major investments in U.S. production and supported new trade deals. Importers pay the tariffs first, but they often pass the higher costs to customers.
Economist Kimberly Clausing told lawmakers that the tariffs act as the largest consumer tax increase in a generation. She estimated that they reduce household living standards and add about $1,700 a year to the average family’s expenses.
