Shoppers feel they are already being hit by
tariffs, and are cutting back their spending, according to a study by Omnisend, an email-SMS marketing platform.
The average consumer now pays $47 more per month thanks to tariffs,
resulting in $12.2 billion in new national spending. And of the 1,200 consumers surveyed, 66% have noticed higher prices.
The impact per household varies: 39.5% have seen no change in
their budgets. But the remainder report these monthly spending increases:
- $200 or more — 7.2%
- $100-$199 — 7.5%
- $50-$99 — 12%
- Less than $50 — 16.6%
- Spending decreased — 17.3%
Specifically, consumers have noticed
higher costs on these sites:
- Amazon — 39%
- Temu — 30%
- Walmart — 27%
- Shain —
24.3%
- eBay — 11.2%
- AliExpress — 11%
- TikTok Shop —
9.9%
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The appeal toward patriotism is only partially effective: 43% will pay more for goods made in the U.S., but 32% won’t.
However, 68% have turned
from Chinese marketplaces, 34% citing price increases.
But 23% have already purchased or are looking to buy from Canada or Mexico.
As for sentiment, 49% oppose
tariffs, 28% are in favor of them and 23% have no opinion.
"The impact comes in waves as new shipments arrive, which is why many people felt it first on the big marketplaces and will
likely feel it later on at local stores,” says Marty Bauer, ecommerce expert at Omnisend. “Even things made here, in the U.S., can increase in cost when imported parts or packaging get
pricier."
Bauer continues: "Tariffs have people looking for cheaper options, and right now, buying from Canada or Mexico online still avoids extra fees
thanks to the $800 de minimis rule. If you bring something back yourself, there's a separate duty-free allowance for travelers. However, that is not for long, as on August 29, the de
minimis rule will expire for the rest of the world,"
The study was conducted by Cint in July 2025.