Nearly One-Third of U.S. Businesses Plan Price Increases Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Nearly a third of U.S. businesses plan to raise prices by the end of 2025 as they respond to rising costs and inflation, driven in part by President Trump's tariff policies. A LendingTree survey found that over 30% of businesses expect price increases within six months, with only about 5% anticipating price drops. Companies like Home Depot have maintained prices through stockpiling and supply chain adjustments but are now signaling modest price increases. The tariffs, including a 15% levy on imports from dozens of countries on top of existing China tariffs, have squeezed corporate margins, prompting price hikes to consumers. Economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures contribute to this trend, with regional differences in expected price changes noted across states. Experts warn that industries such as automotive may soon follow suit with higher prices as companies can no longer absorb tariff costs.