President Donald Trump recently announced a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariff roll-out for most countries, but he has imposed a 145% tariff rate for China. These tariffs could increase the cost of many consumer goods — and women may be disproportionately affected compared to men.
In a recent article discussing the financial implications of Trump’s tariffs, Jamie Wall, a personal finance strategist at Gamblizard, explains why women could end up bearing the brunt of these tariff increases. With women typically earning 85% of what men earn, any rise in prices means a higher percentage of income dedicated to essentials for women. This financial burden is especially challenging for women in lower-income jobs, where even small price hikes can significantly impact financial stability.
The impact of these tariffs is not limited to individual finances. Women-led industries such as retail, education, and healthcare heavily rely on imported goods, potentially facing increased costs that could lead to price hikes for consumers or cost-cutting measures like layoffs and reduced wages.
Single mothers, who make up a significant portion of households in the U.S., are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these tariffs as they often bear the majority of household expenses. With tariffs affecting essential items like toys, clothing, groceries, and home goods, the financial strain on single moms is likely to increase significantly.
Furthermore, the so-called “pink tax” effect, where women already pay more for personal care products and clothing, could be compounded by these tariffs. Women may see further price increases on items they are already overpaying for, exacerbating the financial challenges they already face.
Overall, Trump’s tariffs could have a disproportionate impact on women, particularly those in lower-income brackets and single mothers, exacerbating existing financial struggles and potentially widening the gender wealth gap.
