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Influence of tariffs on my consumption behaviors.

Helen
2 min readAug 2, 2024

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As a consumer, the issue of tariffs has had a significant impact on my consumption behaviors. Tariffs, which are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, can affect the prices of products that I purchase on a regular basis. These price increases can influence my decisions about what to buy and where to buy it from.

For example, I have noticed that when tariffs are imposed on certain goods, the prices of these products tend to go up. This means that I may have to pay more for items such as electronics, clothing, or household goods. As a result, I find myself being more selective about the items that I purchase and opting for more affordable alternatives.

In addition to price increases, tariffs can also lead to changes in the availability of certain products. When tariffs are imposed on goods from specific countries, it may become harder to find those products in stores. In these cases, I may have to seek out different brands or substitute products, which can alter my consumption patterns.

Furthermore, tariffs can also impact the overall economy, which in turn influences my consumption behaviors. If tariffs lead to a decrease in economic activity or a rise in unemployment, I may become more cautious about my spending habits. I may choose to save more money or cut back on non-essential purchases in order to prepare for any potential economic downturn.

Overall, the influence of tariffs on my consumption behaviors is undeniable. These trade policies can affect the prices, availability, and overall market dynamics of the products that I consume on a daily basis. By paying attention to the impact of tariffs on my purchasing decisions, I am able to adapt my consumption behaviors in response to these external factors.

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Helen
Helen

Written by Helen

I’m a board member for the Harvard Creative Writing Collective and an outreach associate director for Harvard Women in Computer Science.

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