Americans are already seeing Trump's tariffs kick in. They sent in receipts to prove it

Npr - May 8th, 2025

New tariffs on auto parts, steel, aluminum, and a 145% customs fee on Chinese goods are significantly impacting American consumers and businesses. Sandy Alonso, a resident of Tampa, Florida, experienced this firsthand when tariffs on her newly purchased wheelchair from China escalated from 20% to 145%, resulting in a $6,000 expenditure, with $3,500 attributed to tariffs alone. Small businesses like HiveTech Solutions in Colorado are also grappling with increased costs, opting to be transparent with customers about the price hikes. CEO Kimberly Drennan disclosed that tariffs have nearly doubled the price of her company's products from $17,800 to over $30,000.

The implications of these tariffs extend beyond individual hardships, affecting broader business operations and market dynamics. President Trump has argued that tariffs will protect American businesses and encourage domestic manufacturing; however, many small business owners, like Marc Bowker of Alter Ego Comics, report a negative impact on profit margins, which have plummeted from 30% to 16%. These tariffs are perceived by some as a tax on American businesses rather than on foreign entities, contradicting initial expectations. The uncertainty surrounding future tariff implementations further complicates planning for businesses reliant on foreign goods, raising concerns about the sustainability of their supply chains.

Tariffs President Trump Us China Trade Sandy Alonso Kimberly Drennan Hive Tech Solutions Marc Bowker Alter Ego Comics

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the immediate impacts of tariffs on consumers and small businesses, using personal stories to bring the issue to life. Its strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and ability to engage readers on a topic of public interest. However, the article's accuracy and balance are somewhat compromised by the lack of authoritative sources and a narrow range of perspectives. Greater transparency and inclusion of expert analysis would enhance its credibility and depth. Overall, the story provides a compelling narrative but requires more comprehensive verification and balanced reporting to fully inform readers on the complexities of tariffs and their broader economic implications.

Accuracy

The story presents several claims regarding the implementation and impact of tariffs under the Trump administration. It accurately reflects the general increase in tariffs, including specific mentions such as the 145% customs fee on Chinese goods. However, the article lacks precise verification of these tariffs' effective dates and their exact impact on consumers and businesses. The story includes anecdotes, such as Sandy Alonso's wheelchair purchase, but does not provide corroborative evidence or sources to verify the specific tariff rates or the total cost breakdown. While the narrative aligns with known economic impacts of tariffs, the absence of detailed evidence or official data weakens the factual accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents perspectives from individuals and small businesses affected by tariffs, highlighting the negative economic impacts. It includes voices like Sandy Alonso and Marc Bowker, who express personal and business challenges due to increased costs. However, it lacks a balanced representation of viewpoints, particularly from policymakers or economists who might support the tariffs as a strategic economic measure. The story could be improved by including a broader range of perspectives, such as those who believe tariffs could benefit domestic industries in the long run or provide a counter-narrative to the predominantly negative portrayal.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the various impacts of tariffs on individuals and businesses. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the complex topic of tariffs understandable to a general audience. The use of specific examples, such as Sandy Alonso's wheelchair purchase and the changes in pricing for HiveTech Solutions, helps to illustrate the broader economic concepts in a relatable way. Overall, the clarity of the article is a strong point, despite the lack of detailed evidence.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal accounts from individuals and small business owners. While these sources add a human element to the story, they lack the authority and reliability of expert analysis or official data. The story would benefit from including insights from economists, trade experts, or government officials to provide a more comprehensive and authoritative perspective on the tariffs' impact. The absence of such credible sources limits the article's reliability and depth of analysis.

Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information and the context of the claims made. While it mentions that NPR asked listeners and readers to send receipts, it does not disclose how many responses were received or how representative they are of the broader population. Additionally, there is no explanation of how the tariffs were calculated or the basis for the specific figures mentioned. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the claims.