Trump’s Trade War Clouds Memorial Day Weekend, Says Groundwork’s Jacquez

Trump’s Trade War Clouds Memorial Day Weekend, Says Groundwork’s Jacquez

As Americans prepare to honor the memories of those who have served our nation in uniform and mark the start of summer over Memorial Day Weekend, Trump’s tariffs are driving up the cost of nearly every warm-weather staple. From hamburgers and beer to swimwear and even air conditioning, American traditions are turning into budgeting headaches for families: grill prices are climbing, beef prices are hitting record highs, and swimsuits are coming in at a heftier price tag. Shoppers may also not see the usual big box retailer Memorial Day Weekend sales—Walmart’s CFO has already warned that prices will rise by the end of May as the company moves to offset steep import costs.

Groundwork Collaborative’s Chief of Policy and Advocacy Alex Jacquez released the following statement on Trump’s Memorial Day price hikes:

“Across the country this weekend, many Americans plan to crack open a cold beer, fire up the grill, and take a dip in the pool, but Trump’s disastrous economic agenda is about to rain on their parade. From your favorite burger or brew to your swimsuit and air conditioning, Trump’s tariffs have put prices on the rise.

“Yet, instead of delivering relief for the working families struggling to make ends meet, Trump and Congressional Republicans are preparing to give another round of massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors, and pay for it by slashing basic needs programs like Medicaid and food assistance.”

BACKGROUND

The looming threat of another round of tariff hikes is keeping businesses on edge and forcing families to make tough spending choices. With the average effective tariff rate still at 17.8%—the highest since 1934—experts estimate that American households have lost roughly $2,800 in annual purchasing power.

• Grills:
  • Expect to shell out more for a grill this summer. Weber, a top grill brand, announced price increases on all models around Memorial Day 2025, urging shoppers to buy early to “beat the price increase.” Ace Hardware stores in Ohio and Georgia warned that Weber grills could jump as much as 30% due to tariffs.
  • Steep tariffs on steel and aluminum—key components in most grills—are fueling the hikes, turning backyard barbecues into a pricier Memorial Day tradition.
• Beef:
  • Backyard burgers are coming with record-high price tags this year. Ground beef now averages $5.80 per pound, and sirloin steak has soared to $12.33—both record highs. Inflation data shows beef and veal prices have increased by 8.5% over the past year, far outpacing overall inflation.
  • The surge in prices comes as the U.S. cattle herd hits its smallest size since 1951, driven by years of drought and soaring feed costs that forced ranchers to scale back. With domestic supply at record lows and 10% tariffs on imported beef from Brazil and Australia now in effect, families are paying more at the meat counter just as grilling season begins.
• Beer:
  • Cracking open a cold one is about to hit your wallet. From Illinois to Maryland, local and regional breweries are raising their beer prices. At Hand of Fate Brewing in Illinois, a 4-pack could cost $0.50 to $1.00 more. In Maryland, Union Craft Brewing expects six-packs to jump by $1, and Heavy Seas Brewing has already canceled equipment orders due to skyrocketing costs.
  • The spike in costs for craft brewers is driven by a 25% aluminum tariff. Can suppliers estimate that each beer can now cost craft brewers 1 to 2.5 cents more, increasing their operating costs by 5-10%.
• Gas:
  • If you’re hitting the road this Memorial Day, be prepared to pay more at the pump than you were before Trump returned to office. Treasury Secretary Bessent has claimed that families are benefiting from falling gas prices and that those savings are enough to offset the cost of tariffs, but the numbers tell a different story. Right before the inauguration, gas averaged $3.04 a gallon. This week, it’s up to $3.17 a gallon.
• Air Conditioning:
  • Air conditioning is getting a lot more expensive just in time for summer. Lenox, a major U.S. HVAC manufacturer, has already implemented two rounds of price increases to offset Trump’s tariffs. The company’s CFO confirmed that tariffs have forced Lenox to hike prices by 7%.
• Swimwear:
  • As pools open for Memorial Day, shoppers are feeling the heat—not just from the sun, but from rising swimsuit costs. Over a third of women’s swimsuits sold in the U.S. are imported from China, and this year, Trump’s tariffs are making them a whole lot pricier.
  • Online brand Triangl is now charging U.S. shoppers tariff fees at checkout. One $119 one-piece swimsuit came with a $12.35 tax, $20 in shipping, and a whopping $211.11 in import duties, bringing the total to $362.46.
• Outdoor Toys:
  • Outdoor toys are collateral damage in Trump’s trade war. With 80% of toys sold in the U.S. made in China, companies are struggling to manage skyrocketing import costs. Basic Fun!, a U.S. toy company known for products like Tonka trucks and Nerf squirt guns, has already halted shipments and warned that reverting back to the 125% tariff on China could cause a $30 toy to jump to $70.