10 Things Tariffs Will Make Unaffordable For the Middle Class in NH, MA, ME

Living in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, no matter how much we love it, are pricey places to call home, and tariffs have been one of the most Googled topics since the election.

Middle-class consumers around New England who weren't aware of tariffs are learning that foreign companies and countries do not pay them.

According to MSNBC, a blanket 20% tariff on every partner that trades with the United States and up to 60% on most goods imported from China could be imposed. If this happens, then guess who pays? We do.

 Tariffs are not, in fact, paid for by foreign countries. It is the importers, aka the American companies, that pay tariffs. And those companies, universally, end up passing that “tax” onto the consumer in the form of higher prices.

According to MSN, if these tariffs come to fruition, the middle class living and working around New England will be unable to comfortably afford these top 10 essentials.

• Groceries
• Healthcare
• Homeownership
• Quality Childcare
• Assisted Living and Elder Care
• Retirement
• College Education
• Home Repairs and Maintenance
• Cars
• Travel and Vacations

It doesn't end there, either. According to the BBC, in many cases, when one country imposes a tariff on another, that country will return the favor, resulting in a trade war.

Meanwhile, according to Business Insider, the running tally of companies bracing for Trump tariffs to raise prices is growing, including one of the biggest in the country, Walmart. From smaller retailers to big box stores and supermarkets, many are even stocking up on inventory or cutting back.