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Michigan parents face surging costs for school supplies as tariffs push prices higher at major retailers.
LANSING, Mich. — With the school year approaching, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sounding the alarm on the financial strain Michigan families face due to rising tariffs, which are driving up costs for essential back-to-school items such as backpacks, shoes, laptops, and water bottles.
“Michigan families are already facing high costs, and these tariffs are making it even harder for them to afford essential school supplies,” Whitmer said in a statement on Monday. “Prices for necessities are rising, making back-to-school shopping more expensive than ever and making it harder for parents and educators to supply kids with the tools they need to succeed.”
The warning comes as retailers, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and Costco, confirmed ongoing price hikes, citing tariff-related pressures and supply chain strain.
Tariffs Take a Toll on Michigan Households and Educators
According to Bankrate, 20% of back-to-school shoppers say they’re struggling to fit school supply purchases into their household budgets. A separate Credit Karma report found 39% of parents say they simply can’t afford back-to-school shopping this year, with 56% cutting nonessential purchases.
In Michigan, the pain is especially acute. School supply prices are expected to rise 12% to 15%. Paper prices have already surged 120% and could climb further. Laptop and tablet costs may spike by up to 68%, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Smartwater bottles made of stainless steel—popular among students—are also rising due to the 25% global steel tariff.
For educators and school districts, the impact is compounding. The nation’s largest school bus manufacturer is raising product prices by at least 4%, while K–12 construction vendors are reportedly planning 6% to 8% price increases on school infrastructure projects due to material tariffs.
Retailers Push Prices Higher While Inventory Tightens
Bright Data, in a price-tracking analysis for NBC News, reported that nearly 29% of 230 back-to-school items saw price increases, averaging nearly 6%. Specific examples include:
- Smartphones up 15% at Best Buy.
- Backpacks and pencils up 4.1% and 2.9% year-over-year respectively, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Clothing items at Walmart saw a 57% average price hike.
- Warehouse inventories down 6% month-over-month, constraining supply.
As families try to stretch dollars, retailers are rebalancing inventory and pricing. Walmart and Target have confirmed future price hikes, while Best Buy stated some have already taken effect.
Whitmer Links Economic Pressure to Federal Tariff Policy
Whitmer’s criticism of federal tariff policy comes amid national debate over the economic impact of the 2025 U.S. tariff increases. Though not directly naming federal officials, her comments reflect growing resistance among state leaders to rising costs imposed on consumers under current trade policies.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II echoed the concern: “Parents and educators are now facing higher prices for everyday items. Governor Whitmer and I will keep working with anyone to lower costs and ensure every child in Michigan can focus on what matters: learning and growing.”
Whitmer’s Broader Education Record as Economic Support
In response to these growing pressures, Whitmer pointed to recent accomplishments designed to support Michigan families. She has expanded free pre-K and community college, implemented statewide free school meals, and tripled the number of literacy coaches across districts.
Since taking office, Whitmer has signed more than 1,350 bipartisan bills, including legislation to close the school funding gap and adopt science of reading standards. Her administration has emphasized equitable access to education regardless of ZIP code, an argument that now dovetails with the call to reduce economic barriers created by external market conditions.
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