Not everything, but official data shows tariffs have raised the prices of many imported goods in the United States. A Federal Reserve staff analysis estimated that tariffs implemented through November 2025 raised core goods prices by about 3.1% by February 2026, adding about 0.8% to core consumer prices overall. Services, which make up most of household spending, were far less affected. The effect also varies widely by product, from almost nothing for books to several percent for some appliances.
Key Takeaways
- Tariffs have raised prices of many imported goods, not everything.
- Fed staff estimate a 3.1% rise in core goods prices through February 2026.
- CBO says U.S. buyers, not foreign exporters, bear most tariff costs.
- Pass-through figures differ mainly because they measure different things.
What the Official Evidence Says
| Source | Finding |
|---|---|
| Federal Reserve Board staff (FEDS Note, April 2026) | 2025 tariffs raised core goods PCE prices by about 3.1% through February 2026, explaining the excess goods inflation since 2025; pass-through built up over 5 to 9 months |
| Congressional Budget Office (answers published May 2026) | Foreign exporters absorbed only about 5% of tariff costs on average; CBO expects consumers to face price increases equal to about 95% of tariff costs once businesses fully adjust, with about 70% passed through in the near term |
| CBO, same answers | Elevated inflation in tariff-exposed categories such as apparel, furniture and appliances |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics (CPI, released October 14, 2026) | Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the 12 months to September 2026; prices excluding food and energy rose 2.6% |
The CPI figure includes energy, housing and many other factors, so it is not a tariff measure on its own.
Why the Effect Is Uneven
- Goods vs services: tariffs apply to imported goods. Rent, healthcare and most services are not directly taxed at the border.
- Import share: categories with a high share of imported content, such as some appliances and electronics, show bigger effects than categories made mostly at home.
- Exemptions and rates: rates differ by product and origin, and some products are exempt.
- Timing: retailers often pass costs on gradually as old stock sells, which the Federal Reserve analysis captured as a build-up over several months.
- Indirect effects: domestic producers that use imported parts, or compete with taxed imports, can also raise prices.
Why Estimates Differ
You will see “pass-through” figures from about 20% to near 100%. Much of the difference is definition. Some studies measure how much of the tariff appears in the retail price as a percentage of that price; others ask whether retailers add the same dollar amount as the tariff. The Federal Reserve note explains that tariffed products sell for roughly 2.7 times their border price on average, so the same behavior can look like 37% or 100% depending on the yardstick. When comparing claims, check what is being measured.
What It Means for EV Charger Buyers
An imported charger is a manufactured good, so it sits in the tariff-exposed part of the economy. But hardware is only part of what a household or business pays. Installation labor, permits and electrical upgrades are services and are often the larger cost; see how much a home EV charger costs. Charging itself depends on electricity prices, covered in whether EV charging prices will come down. For importers and brands, OEM unit cost drivers shows how duty fits alongside components, certification and freight.
Buying factory-direct removes a layer of markup on top of duty. EVDANCE manufactures in its own Shenzhen factory and offers a 3-year standard warranty. Brands and distributors can request a landed-cost quote through our OEM and private-label program or distributor program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foreign companies pay the tariffs?
Mostly not. CBO estimates foreign exporters absorbed only about 5% of the cost on average, with U.S. businesses and consumers bearing the rest.
Are tariffs the main cause of inflation?
They explain much of the excess inflation in goods, according to Federal Reserve staff, but services, housing and energy drive much of overall inflation.
Will prices fall if tariffs are removed?
Not automatically or quickly. Prices depend on costs, competition and contracts. We do not forecast prices.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
- Is Charging an Electric Car Cheaper Than Gas?
