
Bridge cranes load containers to a cargo ship at the Qingdao Free Trade Zone in Qingdao, Shandong province, China on April 15, 2025.
CFOTO/Future Publishing/Getty Images
Raising a child in the United States is undeniably costly, with expenses spanning from infancy through adolescence.
Estimates suggest that a middle-class family could spend nearly $320,000 to support a child born in 2015 until they reach 17 years old.
This substantial amount covers various necessities such as childcare, healthcare, nutrition, clothing, education, transportation, extracurricular activities, and toys. All these expenditures are subject to change due to the Trump administration’s tariff policies.
Businesses that offer products and services for children are also anticipated to experience financial strain. According to a CEO, the imposition of tariffs might lead to certain products becoming unavailable in the market.
Parenting expenses in the U.S. are already high, and the addition of tariffs on children’s goods is expected to further increase the financial burden on families.
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