American consumers are seeing a new “tariff surcharge” line on receipts as companies respond to steep import tariffs, especially on goods from China.
Despite a 90-day tariff pause by President Trump, many businesses are passing on added costs to customers through flat fees or percentage-based surcharges.
For example, Dame, a sexual wellness company, added a $5 “Trump Tariff Surcharge” to raise awareness of the impact.
CEO Alexandra Fine said the fee doesn’t fully cover costs but signals the strain on businesses. Dame manufactures in China, now facing a 145% import tariff.
Other industries, like wedding apparel and auto manufacturing, are also affected. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted that many Chinese manufacturers, which supply 60% of Amazon’s products, are increasingly passing costs to consumers.
Meanwhile, Trump’s team says he remains optimistic about a potential deal with China, despite current high tariffs from both sides—China imposes an 84% tariff on U.S. imports.
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