对华小件进口商品关税5月生效，税率从零直冲120%，美国穷人惨了

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of high tariffs on Chinese goods by the U.S. government is causing significant economic strain on American consumers, particularly low- and middle-income households, leading to increased living costs and potential disruption of their consumption patterns [1][5][7]. Group 1: Tariff Policy Impact - The new tariff policy, effective from May 2, imposes a choice between a 120% ad valorem tax or a per-item tax of $100 on goods priced under $800 from mainland China and Hong Kong, with the per-item tax increasing to $200 from June 1 [5][9]. - This policy change will significantly increase the cost of goods for consumers, exemplified by a $40 sweatshirt that could end up costing $88 after tariffs are applied [5][7]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Economic Structure - The tariff changes threaten to undermine the consumption model that has allowed low-income Americans to access affordable goods, thereby reducing their purchasing power and increasing their financial burden [7][11]. - The disruption of the cross-border e-commerce model, which has provided low-cost goods to American consumers, is expected to lead to a structural change in the consumption ecosystem, potentially stifling overall consumer spending [7][9]. Group 3: Broader Economic Consequences - Rising costs from tariffs are likely to exacerbate inflationary pressures in the U.S., which could force the Federal Reserve to maintain high interest rates, further complicating the economic landscape [9][11]. - The combination of shrinking consumer spending and rising inflation could lead to reduced business investment and increased volatility in asset prices, raising the risk of a financial crisis [11][13].