Trade Challenges and Retail Pricing

Many Americans realize we’re facing a significant trade situation. They’re aware that President Trump is actively addressing years of unbalanced trade practices that affect U.S. workers. He’s already initiated trade agreements with countries like Japan, the UK, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and China.

However, what’s not as widely recognized is that major retailers are passing on costs to consumers—literally.

Even though tariffs haven’t increased, prices nationwide have seen a rise. It’s pretty clear if you look around. Former executives have mentioned that they can handle tariff pressures, yet some retailers take a different route. They criticize President Trump while discreetly including tariff-related fees in their pricing.

These large companies are heavily reliant on global markets, especially China, which means U.S. consumers end up paying more without clarity or accountability—while these retailers enjoy quietly growing profit margins.

In Virginia, thanks to Governor Glenn Youngkin, this kind of practice has been made illegal. People recognize that there’s a world trade emergency happening.

In May 2025, Youngkin signed a law that bans hidden fees in consumer transactions.

Retailers attempting to raise prices and shift blame to President Trump might face penalties under Virginia law.

As someone from Virginia, I feel a sense of pride that Youngkin is taking steps to support Trump’s agenda of putting Americans first.

While several Republican leaders in the state publicly declared their support for Trump’s initiatives, simply posting on social media doesn’t equate to effective action.

There’s now a chance for states to respond. Trump’s executive order has labeled foreign trade and economic practices as a national emergency, enabling states to take action, just as Youngkin has done.

Across the country, laws exist that can categorize price gouging during emergencies. Many states view this as an unfair trade practice, allowing state attorneys general to impose both criminal and civil penalties.

This means that states have the authority to enforce laws against price gouging, especially with national retailers using deceptive pricing strategies, like smuggling hidden tariff costs into their prices.

American businesses should not exploit Trump’s initial policies that aim to create fairer competition for domestic manufacturing as a means to justify their pricing. This is unfair to consumers—not just in Virginia, but throughout all 50 states.

Addressing long-standing trade injustices requires a coordinated governmental effort.

To truly support the initiative, states need to follow Youngkin’s approach and challenge the big retailers. Let’s push for investigations and pass laws to curb opportunistic practices.

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.