Retailers Forecast 20% Decline In Imported Goods

Axios reports:

American retailers are growing worried that President Trump’s trade war and increased volatility will lead to empty shelves, higher prices and store closures as Chinese imports screech to a halt. Many retailers stocked up on inventory in the first months of 2025, realizing that a storm was coming — but their inventories are poised to dwindle quickly.

The National Retail Federation expects U.S. imports to plunge by at least 20% in the second half of 2025 if increased tariffs remain in place. “Shortages are a real possibility,” Coresight Research analyst John Harmon tells Axios.

The CEOs of three of the nation’s biggest retailers — Walmart, Target and Home Depot — privately warned Trump in a meeting Monday that his trade policy could trigger massive product shortages and price spikes.

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Via the good folks @axios. Halloween & Christmas both at risk due trade war. Retail wipeout https://t.co/IkZL8NvkUp #axiosam

— Joseph Brusuelas (@joebrusuelas) April 26, 2025