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Tag: SupplyChain

Tariffs Are Shrinking Holiday Shopping Lists

Michelle Schulz on KCBS Radio

Tariffs Are Shrinking Holiday Shopping Lists

Michelle Schulz discusses rising consumer costs on KCBS Radio

As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are discovering that their shopping lists are shorter than usual—not by choice, but by necessity. In a recent KCBS Radio segment, Michelle Schulz, founder and managing partner of Schulz Trade Consulting, explained how tariffs are playing a major role in driving up prices on everyday goods, particularly during peak gift-buying season.

According to Michelle, importers across the country are feeling the pressure as tariffs add anywhere from 10% to as much as 38% to certain product categories. These added costs don’t stay at the border—they move through the supply chain and ultimately land with businesses and consumers alike.

December 16, 2025

KCBS Radio

San Francisco

Reporter: Cathy Whitman

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Which Products Are Most Affected?

Michelle highlighted several categories that are seeing especially sharp increases, including electronics, clothing, shoes, and toys. Footwear vendors, in particular, are struggling to maintain margins, as higher import costs make it difficult to price products at levels consumers can afford.

Toys are also heavily impacted, with any toy imported from China subject to increased tariffs—and even toys from Europe now facing tariffs around 15%.

Why China Matters So Much

Most toys, electronics, and holiday decorations sold in the United States are manufactured in China. That concentration means tariff changes disproportionately affect seasonal goods. While some larger companies may be able to adjust by shifting suppliers or sourcing components from different countries, many small and mid-sized importers lack the flexibility to make those changes quickly.

What This Means for Businesses and Consumers

The result is a squeeze felt on both sides of the counter: businesses absorb what costs they can, and consumers pay more—or buy less. As Michelle noted, tariffs are no longer a narrow trade issue; they are shaping purchasing behavior and business strategy nationwide.

Understanding how tariffs apply to your products is essential for managing risk and staying competitive.

Schulz Trade Law works with importers to navigate complex trade regulations and identify compliant strategies to mitigate tariff exposure.

If rising import costs impact your business, contact Schulz Trade Consulting to learn how we can help you plan ahead.

December 18, 2025
Tariff Refund Lawsuits, Supreme Court Uncertainty, and What Importers Should Do Now

Michelle Schulz on KXYL Radio

Tariff Refund Lawsuits, Supreme Court Uncertainty, and What Importers Should Do Now

Michelle Schulz explains the latest tariff litigation and why timing matters for billions in potential refunds.

In a recent interview on KXYL Radio in Brownwood–Coleman, Texas, Michelle Schulz, founder and managing partner of Schulz Trade Law, unpacked a rapidly developing legal battle over U.S. tariffs. With major retailers seeking to preserve their rights to refunds—and courts signaling potential skepticism toward the legality of sweeping tariffs—importers are facing both risk and opportunity.

Michelle broke down what the recent court rulings mean, why refunds may still be possible, and how companies should prepare now.

December 18, 2025

KXYL Radio

Brownwood/Coleman, Texas

Hosts: Celinda Hawkins and J.R. Williams

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Why Companies Sued Over Tariffs—and Why the Court Said No

Michelle explained that a group of major importers recently filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, asking for an injunction to stop U.S. Customs from finalizing tariff calculations—a process known as liquidation. Their goal was simple: preserve the ability to receive refunds quickly if the tariffs are later ruled unlawful.

The court denied that request. While companies can still pursue refunds, the ruling means Customs will continue finalizing duties, forcing importers into a longer, more complex refund process if the tariffs are overturned.

“Not even close—this would be massive compared to prior tariff actions, because it applies to virtually any product and almost any country.”

Supreme Court Review and the $130 Billion Question

According to Michelle, the stakes are enormous. A recent Department of Justice filing indicated that roughly $130 billion in tariffs has already been collected. If the Supreme Court of the United States ultimately finds the tariffs unlawful—as some legal observers expect—importers will need to file formal protests and refund requests after the fact.

That process can take months or even years. Michelle noted that while the lawsuits aimed to speed things up, their denial may actually slow the return of funds across the board.

“If the Supreme Court decides that these tariffs are unlawful, importers who have paid billions altogether in tariffs are going to have to go back through an entire process to protest and request refunds.”

What Importers Can Do Right Now

Despite the uncertainty, Michelle emphasized that businesses are not powerless. Her firm is actively reviewing how clients classify and value their imports—areas where technical errors can quietly cost companies millions. In one case, correcting valuation methodology alone resulted in substantial duty savings.

Whether or not the tariffs are struck down, careful compliance, proper valuation, and strategic planning can significantly reduce exposure and improve cash flow.

Tariff uncertainty isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a financial one.

If your company imports goods and is concerned about overpaid duties, delayed refunds, or compliance risk, now is the time to act. Schulz Trade Consulting helps importers prepare for refunds, reduce tariff exposure, and navigate complex trade regulations with confidence.

December 18, 2025
Tariffs, Toys, and the Real Cost to Consumers

Michelle Schulz on KSL Radio

Tariffs, Toys, and the Real Cost to Consumers

Why Your Holiday Shopping Costs More: Michelle Schulz on Tariffs and Trade Policy

Trade attorney Michelle Schulz, founder of Schulz Trade Law, explains how tariffs are quietly reshaping prices on everything from toys to electronics.

December 16, 2025

Wisconsin’s Afternoon News

WTMJ Radio, Milwaukee

Host: Julia Fello

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In a recent radio interview on WTMJ in Milwaukee, Michelle Schulz, founder and managing partner of Schulz Trade Law, joined hosts to discuss a question many consumers are asking this season: Why does everything cost more?

Drawing on her experience advising importers and manufacturers across industries, Michelle broke down how current U.S. tariff policy—particularly broad-based duties affecting imports from China and other countries—is driving up prices on everyday goods, with ripple effects felt by businesses and consumers alike.

Why Holiday Gifts Are Getting More Expensive

Michelle explained that tariffs are significantly increasing the cost of commonly imported goods, including toys, electronics, clothing, furniture, and household items. Many products are now subject to a baseline tariff of at least 10%, with additional duties layered on depending on the product category. For example, clothing prices are up roughly 20% on average, while toys have seen increases closer to 17%—costs that ultimately land on consumers’ checkout receipts.

Why China Remains at the Center of the Tariff Conversation

The interview highlighted that the vast majority of toys and holiday decorations are still manufactured in China. While some higher tariffs have been temporarily paused, numerous others—such as steel and aluminum tariffs—remain in effect. According to Michelle, this “across-the-board” approach is far more impactful than the more targeted measures seen during earlier trade disputes, intensifying pressure on companies that rely on Chinese manufacturing and deepening trade tensions overall.

“Anything from China or any other country is going to have at least a 10% baseline tariff, and then you add others on top of that.”

Are Any Industries Spared? Not Really.

While no sector is truly immune, Michelle noted that some large pharmaceutical companies have managed to reduce tariff exposure by investing in U.S.-based manufacturing. These strategic moves can sometimes influence trade outcomes—but smaller companies often lack the capital to pivot in the same way. As a result, tariffs disproportionately affect small and mid-sized businesses, increasing costs and, in some cases, threatening their long-term viability.

“It has been vastly more impactful on companies, and all the way down to the consumer.”

Tariffs are not just a policy issue—they are a business reality.

If your company imports goods, sources materials globally, or is facing rising costs tied to trade regulations, Schulz Trade Consulting can help you understand your exposure and identify compliant strategies to reduce risk. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your bottom line.

December 18, 2025
Tariffs, Refund Races, and the Growing Cost of Trade Uncertainty

Michelle Schulz on KCBS Radio

Tariffs, Refund Races, and the Growing Cost of Trade Uncertainty

Michelle Schulz breaks down refund lawsuits, Supreme Court risk, and why tariffs aren’t delivering their promised results.

In a wide-ranging interview on WLW Radio’s Scott Sloan Show, Michelle Schulz, founder and managing partner of Schulz Trade Law, discussed the growing legal and economic fallout from U.S. tariff policy.

With billions of dollars already collected, major companies racing to secure refund rights, and farmers and importers absorbing long-term damage, Michelle explained why the current tariff regime is creating uncertainty rather than leverage—and what businesses should be doing now.

December 17, 2025

WLW Radio

Cincinnati

Host: Scott Sloan

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The Race for Refunds and a Legal Bottleneck

As tariffs continue to generate massive revenue, large companies such as Costco, Revlon, and Ray-Ban have moved quickly to preserve their ability to receive refunds if the tariffs are ultimately struck down. These companies sought to block U.S. Customs from finalizing duty calculations—known as liquidation—to speed up repayment.

That effort failed. The U.S. Court of International Trade denied a consolidated motion to delay liquidation, setting the stage for a much longer refund process if the tariffs are overturned.

“If all that has to be refunded, then it does have to be refunded—but we’re going to have to go through a long process to get that money back.”

Michelle warned that even if refunds are legally required, administrative reality means companies could wait months or years to recover billions already paid.

Supreme Court Uncertainty and a $130 Billion Problem

The potential scale of refunds is unprecedented. According to filings referenced in the interview, roughly $130 billion in tariffs has already been collected—and that number continues to grow.

Michelle noted that while the Supreme Court of the United States initially expressed skepticism about the legality of these tariffs, the outcome is no longer predictable.

“In the beginning, I thought it was pretty likely the Supreme Court would strike them down… but the more I read and follow the government’s reactions, I think it could go either way.”

If the Court invalidates the tariffs after liquidation occurs, importers will still be entitled to refunds—but only through a formal protest process that Customs is historically slow to administer.

Why Tariffs Aren’t Working—and Who’s Paying the Price

Michelle also addressed whether tariffs are achieving their stated goals, particularly with respect to China. The data suggests otherwise: China’s trade surplus continues to grow as it expands exports to other regions, while U.S. importers and farmers absorb higher costs and retaliatory losses.

“Relative to China, we can see that the tariffs really aren’t having the intended effect… China seems to be fine.”

Farmers face a double burden: higher import costs for equipment and lost export markets due to retaliation. Subsidy checks, Michelle noted, do little to offset structural damage or restore lost demand.

At the same time, U.S. companies are increasingly viewed as unreliable trading partners, as sudden tariffs, price renegotiations, and policy reversals undermine long-term relationships abroad.

What Importers Can Do Now

Despite the uncertainty, Michelle emphasized that businesses still have meaningful opportunities to reduce exposure. Reviewing tariff classifications, country-of-origin determinations, and—especially—customs valuation can uncover significant overpayments.

“We’ve had importers overpaying because they were overvaluing their goods… sometimes it’s a technicality, but that technicality matters.”

Tariff uncertainty isn’t going away—but overpayment doesn’t have to be inevitable.

If your company imports goods and is concerned about duties, refunds, or compliance risk, Schulz Trade Consulting can help you identify savings, prepare for potential refunds, and navigate trade complexity with confidence.

December 17, 2025
Holiday Spending Hits Records — But Consumers Are Taking Home Less

Michelle Schulz on KSL Radio

Holiday Spending Hits Records — But Consumers Are Taking Home Less

Michelle Schulz Explains Why Tariffs Are Driving Up Prices

Trade attorney Michelle Schulz breaks down how tariffs on more than 70 countries, shifting rules, and the end of the de minimis threshold are pushing up prices on toys, clothing, decorations—and even small online orders.

December 3, 2025

Inside Sources, KSL Radio

Salt Lake City, Utah

Host: Holly Richardson

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Record Spending, Smaller Shopping Carts

On KSL Radio, hosts opened with a surprising contrast: despite record-breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday numbers, shoppers are bringing home fewer goods. Prices rose faster than spending — and international trade attorney Michelle Schulz explained why.

“We’ve got tariffs on over 65 countries — I’m thinking it’s over 70 now,” Schulz said. “The tariffs impact a wide variety of industries… and clients who are importers are really struggling to deal with them and either cover the cost or pass it along to their buyers.”

Even though consumers feel like everything is “on sale,” the data shows the opposite: shopping carts are smaller and price tags are higher — a direct consequence of multiple layers of tariffs now baked into supply chain costs.

Toys, Textiles, and Christmas Decorations Are All Going Up

When asked which holiday goods are being hit hardest, Schulz was clear:

“Toys are up there — also clothing and textiles… fashion items have always been subject to slightly high tariffs, but it’s more now,” she explained. “People are buying less. They’re paying more, but they’re buying less.”

Even Christmas decorations — almost all imported from China — are more expensive this year.

Adding to the complexity, companies must track which tariffs apply to which components. Is it the metal? The fabric? The finished good? Schulz said the rapid changes are causing unavoidable errors:

“We’re seeing a lot of mistakes, and I can’t blame them — it’s changing all the time, and it’s difficult to understand how they stack.”

Free Trade Agreements vs. Penalties — and the End of the $800 Rule

The conversation turned to the USMCA agreement. Schulz noted that for some businesses, it has been the only thing saving them:

“I had a client tell me yesterday that the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Free Trade Agreement saved their year,” she said. “If they hadn’t qualified, they wouldn’t have been able to handle the tariffs.”

But not everything qualifies — and attempts to “route” goods through Mexico or Canada without meeting origin rules can backfire.

“That turns into a major problem with customs… and can result in penalties. Transshipments are currently subject to 40% penalties.”

Perhaps the most universal change: The $800 de minimis exemption is effectively gone.

“There’s no $800 threshold anymore,” Schulz warned. “Even low-dollar items are subject to tariffs now… You may see the tariff in your cart, or you may be surprised afterwards.”

Whether you’re importing bulk goods or ordering a $20 toy from overseas, untaxed imports are no longer the norm — and it’s catching consumers off guard.

Tariffs now touch nearly every category of holiday shopping—from toys to textiles to small online orders—and the rules continue shifting.

If your business imports goods of any kind, contact Schulz Trade Consulting today to review classification strategies, avoid penalties, and manage rising tariff exposure during the busiest retail season of the year.

December 3, 2025
Consumers Are Feeling the Squeeze: Tariffs, Fashion Prices, and the Supreme Court’s Pending Ruling

Michelle Schulz on SiriusXM POTUS Politics

Consumers Are Feeling the Squeeze

Michelle Schulz on Tariffs, Fashion Prices, and the Supreme Court’s Pending Ruling

Trade attorney Michelle Schulz explains why apparel, electronics, and everyday imports are getting more expensive — and how a Supreme Court decision could trigger billions in refunds.

December 2, 2025

POTUS Politics

SiriusXM, Channel 124

Host: Tim Farley

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“Companies Are No Longer Able to Absorb the Difference”

In her latest appearance on SiriusXM POTUS Politics, trade attorney Michelle Schulz said consumers are now directly experiencing the impact of the current tariff regime. Businesses that once buffered the costs are out of room.

“It has been significant,” she told host Tim Farley. “Companies are no longer able to absorb the difference, and the tariffs are really increasing prices. Consumers are seeing this, and they’re complaining about it.”

Schulz highlighted one especially painful shift: the loss of the old $800 de minimis threshold, which once allowed low-value items to enter the U.S. duty-free.

“We used to be able to import items under $800 and we can’t do that anymore,” she said, noting that the effect has hit fast-fashion, shoes, and electronics particularly hard.

A Fashion Industry Bracing for 2026 — and Small Businesses Already Breaking

Farley pointed out that the global fashion sector expects 2026 to be a very difficult year. Schulz agreed — and stressed that small U.S. importers are already in crisis.

“For the most part… companies are hoping desperately that something will change,” she said. “Small businesses in apparel, footwear, other kinds of fashion are not going to be able to stay in business. We are trying to help them stay in business, but there is only so much you can do when the tariffs are a huge percentage of the import price.”

Even large companies with international footprints can only hold out so long. The industry is effectively waiting on the Supreme Court — and running out of time.

The Supreme Court Decision Could Trigger Refunds — But No Quick Fix

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Schulz said the stakes are enormous.

If the justices find the tariffs unlawful, “there will have to be a refund option,” she said. “

Importers should be following what they’re paying and tracking their expenses… Customs should be providing refunds. It’s not quick — they’re not quick to return money — but it can be done.”

She also noted that the recent federal shutdown caused delays in seizures, inspections, and protests — all of which hit importers with storage fees and carrying costs.

“The time ends up taking money,” she said.

But even a ruling against the administration won’t solve supply chain challenges overnight. As Schulz reminded listeners:

“Overall, there’s no easy way to manage this as a company.”

With consumer prices rising and the Supreme Court’s decision imminent, importers must prepare for both outcomes: relief in the form of refunds or continued tariff pressure.

If your business imports apparel, electronics, or other consumer goods, contact Schulz Trade Consulting today to audit your tariff exposure, review refund eligibility, and build a compliance plan that protects your bottom line.

December 3, 2025
Tariffs on Toys and Trucks: Michelle Schulz Explains Why Holiday Prices Keep Rising

Michelle Schulz on SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking

Tariffs on Toys and Trucks:

Michelle Schulz Explains Why Holiday Prices Keep Rising

Trade attorney Michelle Schulz joins SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking to unpack how shifting tariffs are driving up costs for toys, furniture, and freight—and what that means for consumers and the trucking industry heading into 2026.

November 26, 2025

Road Dog Trucking

SiriusXM, Channel 146

Anchor: Mark Willis

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A Pricier Christmas Ahead

With Thanksgiving around the corner, trade attorney Michelle Schulz, founder of Schulz Trade Law in Dallas, joined Road Dog Trucking News to discuss how tariffs are shaping holiday spending.

She said consumers can expect to pay noticeably more for gifts this year.

“Yes, I would say absolutely—you’re looking at over $100 more on average, and it will continue to rise,” Schulz explained. “Although some tariffs have been dialed back, and we have trade deals pending, many tariffs remain in place. They’re high one day, low the next, but still higher than normal overall.”

She added that even familiar items like furniture and electronics are climbing fast.

“I was just hearing yesterday from someone that buying furniture became an issue because prices are increasing weekly,” Schulz said. “The closer we get to Christmas, the farther into the tariffs we get.”

Toys, Tariffs,
and Sticker Shock

The toy industry is being hit especially hard.

“Toys can be made of all different materials subject to tariffs, and they come from countries under tariff,” Schulz noted. “We’re seeing the toy industry really struggle, with fewer imports and more expensive toys this year.”

She pointed to fads like the Lab Boo Boo plush toy—this year’s hit item—as examples of how small electronic components can push prices higher.

“It’s the electronics and textiles inside these toys,” she said. “Everything depends on what’s in it, how it’s categorized, and how much it’s valued.”

Even everyday products like clothing are affected.

“Textiles are subject to tariffs too,” Schulz added. “Everything that comes in from overseas eventually moves on trucks, and that means these costs ripple through the whole system.”

Trucking, Delays, and a Tightening Supply Chain

For the trucking industry, Schulz warned that the ripple effects could be significant.

“We are seeing customs seizing shipments,” she said. “They’ll detain shipments if they think you’re underpaying, and sometimes those get stuck for months. That means storage fees—thousands of dollars per month in some cases.”

As tariffs expand and enforcement tightens, Schulz said she expects the slowdown to continue.

“We’ve reached a deal with China holding out at 10%, but next year it’s scheduled to go up to 34%. Even with delays, these tariffs aren’t going away,” she explained. “Everything from parts to oil and gas is going to cost more—and that directly impacts trucking.”

Her outlook for 2026: cautious.

“We’re seeing companies hold off on investments, and even layoffs in some cases,” she said. “This isn’t stopping this year—it’s going to carry through next year.

From toy manufacturers to trucking fleets, tariff volatility is reshaping every link of the supply chain.

If your company imports, ships, or distributes goods affected by tariffs, contact Schulz Trade Consulting today to assess your exposure, prevent costly delays, and develop strategies to navigate the year ahead.

December 2, 2025
Tariffs on the Open Road: How Trade Policy Is Hitting Trucking, Retail, and the Holiday Season

Michelle Schulz on WJR Radio, Detroit

Tariffs on the Open Road

Michelle Schulz Explains How Trade Policy Is Hitting Trucking, Retail, and the Holiday Season

As the Supreme Court deliberates on Trump’s tariff authority, trade attorney Michelle Schulz joins SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking to discuss how rising duties are driving up prices, tightening inventories, and reshaping the freight economy.

November 18, 2025

Road Dog Trucking

SiriusXM, Channel 146

Anchor: Mark Willis

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“Not So Merry” Holiday Outlook

Speaking with SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking News, Dallas-based trade attorney Michelle Schulz warned that the holidays will bring higher prices, fewer deals, and tighter margins across the retail sector.

“I would say not so merry,” Schulz said. “Prices are going up, and I am planning on higher prices during the Christmas season. We don’t have the Supreme Court ruling on the IEEPA tariffs yet… but we’re already seeing especially high tariffs on countries like India and sectors like shoes and hats—things we buy all the time for Christmas presents.”

While consumers may still celebrate, Schulz said retailers and importers are struggling.

“It’s impossible for some of our clients to provide significant cost reductions in this environment,” she explained. “Buyer beware—holiday deals may not be as great this year.”

Business Belt-Tightening and Industry Whiplash

Beyond the holidays, Schulz warned that the ripple effects of tariffs are dampening hiring, bonuses, and capital investment.

“We’re seeing companies tightening their belts, reducing their workforce, not increasing it,” she said. “In every industry—oil and gas, manufacturing, retail—there’s a combination of confusion and fear.”

She added that even companies with stocked inventory are running out of cushion. “

It’s getting less and less feasible to eat the cost or negotiate cheaper prices with foreign sellers,” she explained.

The uncertainty has led to hesitation in investment and production:

“They’re walking on eggshells. It changes day to day, and even Customs brokers are frustrated—they’re re-evaluating tariff rates constantly, and mistakes are almost inevitable.”

Trucking, Manufacturing, and the Tariff Chain

The trucking industry, Schulz noted, is being hit from both sides—by reduced freight volume and by higher equipment costs.

“We’ll see some trucks a little less full, or combining shipments rather than single loads,” she said. “There are also higher tariffs on certain heavy-duty trucks, so the impact is direct.”

Even domestic manufacturing isn’t insulated.

“Any company with metal content in its products is struggling,” Schulz explained. “We’ve had clients using metal detectors in warehouses to find whether there’s steel in something—because it could be subject to a 50% tariff.”

When callers suggested that tariffs could boost U.S. manufacturing, Schulz agreed in theory but cautioned that globalization runs deep.

“Manufacturing in the U.S. involves more foreign products than most people would guess,” she said. “We deal with that every day—there’s always one little part that becomes a problem.”

From importers to truckers, everyone in the supply chain is feeling the tariff strain.

If your company moves, sells, or manufactures goods impacted by recent tariffs, contact Schulz Trade Consulting today to audit your tariff exposure, review country-of-origin classifications, and develop compliance strategies that protect your bottom line.

November 30, 2025