Back-to-School Shopping: A Financial Burden
The summer break is coming to an end, and parents are gearing up for the back-to-school season. However, this year’s shopping spree may be more expensive than usual due to the new tariff rates imposed by President Donald Trump. Despite inflation cooling down, families will have to pay more for essential items like backpacks.
The Impact of Tariffs on School Supplies
According to a CNBC report, a close look at the price index reveals that many school supply categories are at least 20% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic. This significant increase in prices is attributed to the Trump era tariffs, which are taking a toll on families. The report also mentions that the cost of making certain items for students has changed between 2019 and 2025, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
Back-to-School Spending: A Heavy Burden on Parents
A back-to-school retail survey by Deloitte found that spending for K-12 students is estimated to reach a collective $30.9 billion, or an average of roughly $570 per child this year. Although this number is down from $586 compared to 2024, the higher prices across categories are still a concern for many parents. In fact, more than half of parents are willing to go into debt to cover extracurriculars, and 46% would do the same for back-to-school items to help their child "fit in" at school.
The Financial Strain on Families
The NerdWallet’s 2025 back-to-school shopping report reveals that many parents are struggling to make ends meet. With the rising costs of school supplies and extracurricular activities, families are being forced to make tough financial decisions. The report also highlights that the number of parents willing to go into debt for back-to-school items has increased from the previous year, indicating a growing financial strain on families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the back-to-school shopping season is expected to be more expensive this year due to the new tariff rates and rising costs of school supplies. Families will have to pay more for essential items, and many parents are willing to go into debt to ensure their children have what they need. As the summer break comes to an end, parents are bracing themselves for the financial burden of back-to-school shopping, hoping that the new school year will bring more joy than financial stress.
