As students across the U.S. return to classrooms, families are grappling with soaring prices for school essentials—from crayons to laptops—fueled by tariffs on imported goods. What some call a 'school tax' is adding financial strain to households nationwide. 🛒💸
The Back-to-School Price Surge
Basic supplies like notebooks, binders, and pencils have spiked by up to 42.6% this year, according to a Groundwork Collaborative analysis. Many items, including backpacks and electronics, are imported from China and other countries now facing tariffs as high as 145%. A recent deal lowered rates to 30%, but parents are still feeling the pinch. 😓
Electronics & Lunchboxes Hit Hard
Laptop prices nearly doubled in some districts, forcing schools to cancel tech upgrades. Meanwhile, lunchbox staples like juice boxes and bananas jumped 22% and 8%, respectively, after new tariffs on fruit imports. 🍌💻
Trump’s Advice: ‘Buy Less’
When asked about rising costs, former President Trump suggested cutting back: 'They don’t need 250 pencils—five is enough.' But parents argue essentials like crayons and disinfectant wipes aren’t optional. Crayola’s CEO warned relocating production from tariff-hit Brazil would be 'impractical,' risking further price hikes. 🖍️📉
Student Loans & Education Access
New federal loan limits and reduced aid could widen education gaps. Over 60% of students surveyed by U.S. News say changes will impact their plans, with low-income and minority groups most affected. 🎓⚖️
As back-to-school shopping becomes a budget battleground, families are rethinking how—and what—they buy. 📦✂️
