Trump's new tariffs threaten to hit women hardest

In the United States, a new series of tariffs set by the Trump administration went into effect today, April 2, 2025, potentially impacting millions of American consumers, especially women. The tariffs, aimed at imported goods from countries such as China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, are expected to result in marked increases in the prices of essential consumer items, including clothing and personal goods. Economists warn that the effective tariff rate could rise to almost 33%, the highest rate seen since 1872, which will likely lead to increased inflation and a significant financial burden on households. Specific consumers will be disproportionately affected, with women suffering the brunt of the impact due to existing economic disparities. Reports indicate that women are already 35% more likely to be in poverty, and due to various factors like lower wage levels and higher tax rates on women’s goods, these tariffs could exacerbate the challenges they face. The existing classification system for imported goods places women’s clothing under a higher average tariff rate of 16.7% compared to 13.6% for men’s clothing, creating what has been referred to as a “pink tariff.” This means that women who are already struggling financially will see even greater increases in the prices they pay for essential items. Legislative responses are emerging as lawmakers express concern over the economic ramifications of these tariffs. Democratic Representatives Lizzie Fletcher and Brittany Pettersen have introduced legislation aimed at studying the impacts of these tariffs, specifically how they affect women. They believe understanding the effects of the tariffs is crucial for addressing the resulting economic burdens, ensuring that policymakers are better informed about the implications of these tax structures. The implemented tariffs not only raise immediate concerns about inflation and consumer purchasing power but also highlight broader systemic issues surrounding gender and economic inequality. As election doors open, the economic effects of these tariffs, especially on women, will likely become a contentious point of discussion. Advocates for women’s economic equality are calling for additional scrutiny regarding the implementation of tariffs that disproportionately affect their financial standing as efforts are made to understand the long-term consequences that such policies might introduce.