A bombshell study from Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) just dropped a truth bomb 💣: American importers and consumers are shouldering 96% of the costs from U.S. tariffs, not foreign exporters. The research, analyzing over 25 million U.S. import records, shows tariffs added $200 billion to customs revenues in 2025—but only 4% of that hit overseas sellers.
🔍 "Tariffs are an own goal," said Julian Hinz, IfW’s trade policy lead. "Americans are footing the bill." Translation? Those "Made-in-USA" price hikes? Blame tariffs acting like a stealth tax 🧾 on everything from gadgets to groceries.
Meanwhile, tensions flared over the weekend as former U.S. President Donald Trump announced new 10% tariffs on eight European countries—including Germany—set to begin February 1. Critics warn this could shrink product variety 🛒 and squeeze U.S. businesses already battling thin margins.
📉 The IfW’s take? Higher tariffs = lose-lose. American wallets take the hit 🇺🇸, while exporters face slumping sales and scramble for new markets. Talk about a trade trap! 🔄
