Here’s how shoppers are reacting to tariffs

Tariffs will likely reduce consumer spending.

The imposition of tariffs on most imported goods is having an effect on how consumers plan to shop and spend.

Most goods imported to the United States have a 10% tariff, with levies on Chinese products as high as 145% (with exceptions for some consumer electronics). Further reciprocal tariffs President Trump placed on imports from most countries on April 2 are currently paused until July 8, 2025.

E-commerce platform Klaviyo recently used OnePulse to survey 500 U.S. consumers about how U.S. tariff policy is affecting their shopping habits, and emailed results to Chain Store Age.

More than eight-in-10 (83%) respondents said they are planning to pull back on spending in the coming weeks, while six-in-10 (61%) respondents say they plan to cut down their spending at restaurants, followed by clothing/accessories (47%) and travel/hotels (41%).

Meanwhile, 35% of respondents plan to buy products now before tariffs go up, 25% are waiting to see if prices increase and 28% plan to wait and potentially switch to cheaper alternatives.