By Jaylen Beaner-Walker
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
On April 2, President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all U.S. imports. These tariffs are expected to increase the cost of products for various industries.
There has been concern that the cost of living in the U.S. will become more difficult to sustain, especially for low-income households.
College students are among the demographics who could be largely impacted by the rising costs of items could largely impact. With many students attempting to pay their tuition while purchasing other needs, there is potential for more financial strain on students.
The cost of necessities such as groceries and hygiene products could see a rise in stores. Food prices are estimated to rise by 2.8%, according to Yale University’s Budget Lab .
“It’s getting a lot more expensive and a lot harder to budget,” said Ioanna Pestana, a Towson University student.
The cost of technology has been estimated to rise, as China imposed retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. China is a manufacturer for Apple, the world’s largest tech company. For students who own Apple products and may be looking to upgrade their devices, they may end up having to pay around $2,000 for their newest products, as predicted by Reuters. Not only will this impact Apple, but also other tech companies that produce laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other devices that students regularly use.
Places online where students can purchase affordable school supplies and other goods such as clothing may increase their prices, making it harder for students to be able to get what they need during the semester. These places include Amazon, Temu, and Shein, which are popular among college students for offering quality items at an affordable price. Considering these tariffs, colleges have been suggested to alleviate financial stressors that students may encounter during this time. Food pantries and student discounts in local stores, as suggested by Pestana, could help students bear the increased cost of living.