Reference Message Network reported on May 5 according to a report by Bloomberg News website on May 3 that the tariff war escalating between Trump and China has the potential to disrupt the lives of American youth, who are a generation accustomed to fast fashion, short videos, and playing Xbox game consoles.

It is reported that these conveniences are the result of close trade relations between the world's two largest economies. Now, for young consumers who are already under inflationary pressure and are just beginning to achieve economic independence, Trump's tariffs may put them in a situation where the roof leaks when it rains all night. For Republicans (who have just gained the highest support among young voters in two or three decades), the trade war has the potential to reverse the gains they have made in this group, as young people are crucial to the Republican Party's control of Congress in the midterm elections.

Chelsea Hollings, 26, said, "Everyone is very angry." She is a content creator in Detroit.

Now, American youths who played a key role in Trump's electoral victory are starting to feel frustrated.

A survey by YouGov and The Economist found that last month, 57% of Americans aged 18 to 29 expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's performance as president. Since Trump took office, support for him among this group has dropped by 14 percentage points.

Young voters are now worried that Trump's trade measures are reshaping the economy in ways that harm them.

Hollings studies communication at Wayne State University. She said that tariffs are affecting her cost of living in every aspect; prices for her mobile phone provider, power company, and favorite online clothing store have all increased.

She almost only buys clothes from a Chinese e-commerce platform. This Chinese e-commerce company allows her to buy large quantities of new clothes seasonally and frequently shares them with her social media followers. She also buys other household items from the website. She said, "I feel like I can no longer be creative in fashion."

For those who prefer home entertainment, Microsoft announced that due to the impact of tariffs, its Xbox devices produced in China will be priced higher, with one gaming console price increasing by $100. Nintendo also postponed pre-orders for its new Switch gaming console due to the impact of new tariffs.

American youths who have started online businesses also feel the pressure.

Chelsea Brown, 32, owns a home goods company. She applied for her first loan to alleviate the costs brought about by the U.S. government's tariff increases on China. Some of her most popular products are custom-made in China.

Given the low profit margins, bearing the cost of tariffs will be difficult to sustain. She said, "We obviously cannot afford a 145% tariff. Honestly, I don't know what to do."

According to a report by Tokyo Broadcasting System's website on May 3, how do Americans evaluate Trump's policies? A reporter recently visited the Midwest and Washington D.C.

It is reported that Rick Schuhr, 68, is a farmer from Ohio who mainly grows soybeans and corn, and China was once the largest buyer of American soybeans.

Schuhr said that grain prices have been falling continuously in recent years. If tariffs are imposed, the costs of machinery and fuel may increase.

He said, "After accounting for the costs of machinery, fertilizers, and seeds, we barely make any money."

Chinese products have become an integral part of American households. Nancy Dunn, 82, used to be a reporter for the Financial Times and now lives in Washington.

Nancy uses mostly online shopping for things in her life. She particularly enjoys shopping on Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms.

Now some of the goods shipped to the U.S. on these platforms are reportedly more expensive.

Dunn used to cover trade issues. She said, "I think this is very foolish. Shockingly foolish."

Currently, tariff policies have affected education frontlines. Kevin Landis, owner of a music instrument rental shop for students, said, "The instruments we rent are almost all made in China. Chinese musical instruments are of good quality and affordable for student use, especially violins and cellos, where China basically holds a monopoly."

In Landis's view, tariff policies are equivalent to taking away children's opportunities to learn music.

Customers shop at an Apple store in Annapolis, Maryland, USA (AFP)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500927761922425381/

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