WASHINGTON ― The Trump administration is mulling over the possibility of granting tariff exemptions for essentials such as car seats, cribs, strollers, and other baby care products, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed Congress. President Donald Trump later confirmed to reporters on May 7 that he will consider the idea, but expressed reservations about making too many exceptions to his broad universal tariffs. “I’ll consider it. I’m not sure,” Trump said in the Oval Office when asked about exemptions for baby products. “I aim to keep it straightforward and clear,” he added, emphasizing that he wants to avoid creating confusion with numerous exemptions that may complicate his tariff policy. “But I will look into it.”
During an exchange with Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, Bessent, appearing before the House Financial Services Committee, disclosed that the administration is exploring potential exemptions for baby products. Pressley pressed him on the matter, demanding a direct answer regarding his support for exemptions to assist mothers and families with young children. “Families are struggling at home,” Pressley stated. “Just give me a straightforward response.”
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, an organization advocating for the prenatal to preschool industry, had previously urged Trump to consider excluding baby products from tariffs. The group highlighted that over 70% of baby products purchased by Americans are manufactured in China, warning that the tariffs could lead to increased costs for families with young children.
Trump has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports totaling 145%, along with baseline tariffs of 10% on goods from most other countries. While he has delayed implementing higher reciprocal tariffs on goods from other countries for 90 days, the substantial levies on Chinese imports remain in place.
In a bid to provide relief to automakers impacted by the steep 25% tariffs on foreign cars and auto parts, Trump recently agreed to offer tariff rebates. Trump officials including Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and others are scheduled to meet with Chinese counterparts in Geneva to kick off trade negotiations as the administration aims to secure what Trump has termed a “fair deal” with China.
For more information or to contact Joey Garrison, follow @joeygarrison on X. This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Trump considers tariff exemptions for baby products
