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【环球财经】美国商场货架一线观察:关税冲击下的民众“物价焦虑”
Xin Hua She· 2025-05-22 14:03
Core Viewpoint - The recent price increases at Walmart, a major retail giant in the U.S., have become a significant news topic, with consumers expressing concerns about the impact of government tariff policies on their daily lives [1][3]. Price Increase Phenomenon - Walmart has seen widespread price increases across various products, with notable examples including a Chinese-made toy that rose from $59 to $84 (a 42% increase) and a Star Wars-themed LEGO set that increased from $69.99 to $89.33 (a nearly 28% rise) [2]. - Price tracking software often fails to keep up with actual price changes in stores, as evidenced by a Chinese-made inflatable mattress that was listed at $46.38 in-store, while the software showed a lower price of $44.94 [2]. - Many shelves in Walmart stores are reported to be empty, with price tags remaining for items that are no longer available [2]. Impact of Tariff Policies - Approximately one-third of Walmart's imported goods, primarily from China, Mexico, Canada, Vietnam, and India, are expected to face price increases due to U.S. tariff policies [3]. - Specific products such as bananas, avocados, and coffee are among those that will see price hikes, with bananas imported from Costa Rica already increasing by nearly 10% [3]. - Walmart's CEO noted that the current environment presents unprecedented challenges due to rapid and significant price increases [3]. Consumer Sentiment - Consumers are increasingly vocal about their frustrations regarding rising prices, with many feeling that the government's tariff policies are detrimental to the economy [4]. - Individuals, including retirees and families, express that the rising costs are affecting their ability to afford basic necessities, leading to a more cautious approach to shopping [4]. Corporate Response to Government Criticism - President Trump has publicly criticized Walmart for its price increases, urging the company to absorb tariff costs rather than passing them on to consumers [5]. - Walmart has stated that maintaining low prices is challenging due to thin retail margins, acknowledging that some tariff costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers [5]. - Other retailers, including Target and Temu, have also raised prices on certain products due to tariffs, indicating a broader trend across the retail sector [5].