Tariffs Concerning For Businesses Prepping For Holidays

NEW YORK (AP) — Midway through summer, U.S. retailers are sweating a different season. It’s less than 22 weeks before Christmas, and American businesses that make and sell consumer goods usually nail down their holiday orders and prices at this time of year. But President Donald Trump’s vacillating tariffs on imported goods have complicated the process. The consequences for consumers? Stores may not have the specific gift items customers want come November and December. Some retail suppliers and buyers scaled back their holiday lines. Businesses still are finalizing their prices but say shoppers can expect many popular products to cost more, though by how much depends partly on whether Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal” tariffs kicks in Aug. 1.