Retailers warn of growing tariff bill for American businesses and consumers

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2019 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French in response to the Trump administration’s plans to impose a 5 percent tariff on all Mexican imports starting June 10.

“The growing tariff bill paid by U.S. businesses and consumers is adding up and will raise the cost of living for American families. Forcing Americans to pay more for produce, electronics, auto parts and clothes isn’t the answer to the nation’s immigration challenges, and this certainly won’t help move USMCA forward.”

In 2017, U.S. retailers imported $128 billion in goods from Mexico.

About NRF

The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.