We Pay the Tariffs

For Immediate Release – May 12, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% in April, pushing annual inflation to 3.8%, the highest level in nearly three years. The tariff-sensitive apparel index increased 0.6%, shelter rose 0.6%, and real average hourly wages fell 0.5%. Dan Anthony, Executive Director of We Pay the Tariffs, issued the following statement: “Tariffs raise prices. Full stop. Economists will say that is...

Tariffs are often sold as a way to re-shore manufacturing, but many small businesses have no viable alternatives to imports. Based on preliminary results from the new We Pay the Tariffs survey, 97% of respondents have been unable to identify any U.S. suppliers that can meet their product specifications and budget. In some of the most frustrating cases to read, small businesses are stuck paying the tariffs even though American manufacturers seem uninterested in selling more: “Tried to find...

Tariffs have impacted small business growth. Preliminary results from a survey by We Pay the Tariffs found the following: Only 12% of respondents say their business has grown over the past year. Nearly 60% of respondents say that their business has declined. When asked whether tariffs were to blame… Over 95% of respondents say tariffs were a factor. Over 70% of all respondents said tariffs were a major factor. One business with 14 employees highlighted the unintended consequences tariffs may...