(NewsNation) — Parents and educators shopping for back-to-school items will notice higher prices this year amid tariff uncertainty.
More than 90% of public school teachers buy supplies with their own money, according to the National Education Association.
“We’re seeing educators, not only our teachers but our support professionals, our nurses and counselor, digging into their own pockets and spending as much as $500 on school supplies,” said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association.
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Many school supplies in the United States are foreign made, so they’re imported and subjected to tariffs. Following President Donald Trump’s high tariffs over recent months, Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflect higher prices already for some items.
Pencils and art supplies are up 2.9%, paper is up around 4.8%, backpacks 4.1% and shoes 5 to 10%.
To save on back-to-school items, shoppers may consider reusing supplies in good condition from the previous school year, such as backpacks or lunch boxes. Search online for a back-to-school drive in your area, and consider cutting back on non-essential back-to-school purchases. If your preferred brand is too expensive, opt for the off brand.
