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Back-to-School Strains: Tariffs Hit Low-Income Families Hard

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Low-income families in New York City are facing a harsh reality this back-to-school season. The 30% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China have significantly increased the cost of essential school supplies. Brett House, a professor of economics at Columbia Business School, explains that nearly everything children need for school is affected, making it a substantial strain on families already struggling to make ends meet.

The price surge is expected to hit low-income families particularly hard, as federal cuts reduce their support for other expenses, including food and housing assistance. Organizations that typically donate school supplies are also feeling the pinch, with Sapreet Saluja, executive director of the nonprofit New York Cares, having to rethink its annual Stand With Students campaign.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 30% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China have significantly increased the cost of essential school supplies.
  • Nearly everything children need for school is affected, including pencils, pens, paper, scissors, and pencil sharpeners.
  • The price surge is expected to hit low-income families particularly hard, as federal cuts reduce their support for other expenses, including food and housing assistance.
  • Organizations that typically donate school supplies are also feeling the pinch, with many forced to reduce the amount of supplies they provide.
  • Parents are making difficult decisions between groceries and basic school supplies, with some even reusing last year's school supplies to stretch their budgets.
  • Teachers are also feeling the strain, with many dipping into their own pockets to provide for their students.

Statistics:

  • 30%: The increase in tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China.
  • 20,000: The number of backpacks filled with supplies that the nonprofit New York Cares aims to donate to students by September.
  • $200: The amount of money provided to Sarah Yunus, a fifth-grade teacher in the East Village, by the City Council to spend on classroom supplies.
  • 4 years old: The age of Karen Lawson's twins, who are starting pre-K this fall and are worried about affording school supplies in the future.

Sources:

  • [Gothamist: "These are the New Yorkers who could lose SNAP benefits under Trump rules"]
  • [Gothamist: "NYC to replace thousands of rental vouchers after federal program expires but at a cost"]
  • [Aprofessor of economics at Columbia Business School - Brett House]

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