Will tariffs drive more people to shop secondhand? It's a mixed bag, experts say

Npr - Apr 11th, 2025

Amid escalating tariffs and trade tensions, consumer confidence in the U.S. has plummeted to its lowest in 12 years, sparking fears of a recession. President Trump's announcement of new tariffs has led to retaliatory measures from global partners like China and the EU. With a baseline tariff of 10% on imported goods and a significant 145% tariff on Chinese apparel, prices for everyday items are set to rise. This economic strain is prompting a shift in consumer behavior, with a notable increase in secondhand shopping as people look for more affordable options. Particularly among Gen Z, buying secondhand is becoming a popular choice, supported by growing platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp, which report record sales and predict continued market expansion due to the new trade policies.

Experts warn, however, that the secondhand market is not immune to the impacts of these tariffs. As Americans become more cautious with their spending, there may be a decrease in both new purchases and donations, potentially limiting the supply of secondhand goods. Despite this, the economic climate offers an opportunity for a broader reflection on consumer habits, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and thoughtful purchasing decisions. This could lead to an increased appreciation for durable and timeless fashion, potentially reducing reliance on fast fashion and promoting a more sustainable industry model. This period of economic uncertainty might ultimately foster a new consumer consciousness about shopping habits and sustainability, reshaping the future of fashion retail.

China Gen Z Tariffs European Union Fast Fashion President Trump Fashion Industry Economic Uncertainty Trade Wars Consumer Confidence Secondhand Shopping Thred Up Poshmark Sustainable Fashion

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively addresses a timely and relevant topic by examining the impact of tariffs on consumer behavior and the secondhand market. It provides a balanced perspective by incorporating expert opinions and historical context, helping readers understand the complexity of the issue. However, the article could improve in accuracy by providing more direct citations and verifying specific claims. Additionally, greater transparency regarding methodology and source attribution would enhance credibility. Overall, the article successfully engages readers and raises awareness of important economic and cultural shifts, though it could further strengthen its impact by encouraging direct action or policy engagement.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the economic context and consumer behavior in response to tariffs. However, some claims require verification, such as the specific statistics regarding consumer confidence and the impact of tariffs on clothing prices. The article cites a drop in the Conference Board's Expectations Index to 65.2, which can be verified through official reports. Similarly, the claim that clothing imports from China face a 145% tariff needs confirmation from tariff schedules. The article accurately reflects expert opinions, but some projections about the secondhand market's growth and consumer behavior trends should be cross-checked with market research reports.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by incorporating perspectives from various experts in the field, such as Sheng Lu and Adele Meyer, as well as historical context and consumer behavior trends. It discusses both the potential positive and negative impacts of tariffs on the secondhand market, acknowledging that while there may be increased interest in secondhand shopping, supply constraints could also pose challenges. This balanced approach helps readers understand the complexity of the issue without leaning towards a particular bias.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language that makes complex economic topics understandable to a general audience. It logically progresses from discussing the broader economic context to specific impacts on consumer behavior and the secondhand market. The use of expert quotes and historical context adds depth without overwhelming the reader. However, some sections could benefit from more explicit explanations of economic terms and concepts to ensure clarity for all readers.

Source quality

The article references credible sources such as the Conference Board and ThredUp's annual Resale Report. However, it lacks direct citations or links to these sources, which would enhance credibility. The inclusion of expert opinions adds authority, but more diverse sourcing, including direct quotes from affected consumers or additional economic analysts, could strengthen the article's reliability. The absence of primary data sources weakens the overall source quality.

Transparency

While the article provides a clear narrative on the impact of tariffs, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and data sources. It does not explain how certain statistics, such as the 145% tariff on clothing imports from China, were derived. The article would benefit from more explicit disclosure of how expert opinions were gathered and whether there are any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and trustworthiness.