Byline: United Daily News Network
An increasing number of consumers are worried that US President Donald Trump's significant increase in import tariffs will lead to higher product prices and even push the economy into recession. A trend has thus emerged: replacing shopping lists with "no-buy" lists.
The New York Times reported that previously, short videos promoting "no-buy by 2025," "buy less," and "delay buying" have been circulating on TikTok; now, due to Trump's tariffs causing uncertainty in the US economic outlook, this frugal consumption movement has gained momentum again, but this time it is more focused on "minimalist consumption."
Trump imposed tariffs starting at 10% on almost all trading partner countries, with rates on many products imported from China even exceeding 100%, making more consumers realize the urgency of implementing the "no-buy" movement.
As a result, many people have drawn up "no-buy" lists, listing various products whose prices may rise as the trade war drags on or items they must buy less of if an economic downturn leads to layoffs.
A TikTok user said she has already added "fashionable clothing" sold by Shein and YesStyle to her no-buy list because these items will be subject to tariffs.
Americans are no strangers to "commercial minimalism." The minimalist art movement of the 1960s, John Lennon's "imagine no possessions" plea in the 1970s, and Steve Jobs sitting cross-legged on a nearly empty floor wearing a black sweater in 1982. In the 2010s, Marie Kondo's book and Netflix TV show reignited the concept of simplifying life through "decluttering."
Fast forward to 2025, with the far-reaching power of social media platforms, a new wave of consumer minimalism is rapidly gaining attention.
Associate Professor Silvia Bellezza of Columbia Business School said:
"Social media makes non-consumption clearly visible because not consuming behavior has become respectable on Instagram. Adding the 'no-buy' hashtag gives a youthful and trendy feel."
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498236990636065295/
Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinion by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.