WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 12, 2026) — The Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.6% in April, pushing annual inflation to 3.8%, the highest level in nearly three years. The tariff-sensitive apparel index increased 0.6%, shelter rose 0.6%, and real average hourly wages fell 0.5%. Dan Anthony, Executive Director of We Pay the Tariffs, issued the following statement:
“Tariffs raise prices. Full stop. Economists will say that is different from inflation, but voters don’t make that distinction. Americans are angry that prices are high. They want prices to go down, but that can’t happen while tariffs remain in place. Permanent Section 232 or Section 301 tariffs in July will only add fuel to the fire.
“There aren’t many levers the government can pull to lower prices, but permanently eliminating tariffs is one of them. It would show Washington understands Americans’ financial pain and is willing to do something about it.”
We Pay the Tariffs is a grassroots coalition of nearly 1,200 small businesses that advocates against tariffs. Members include restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, importers, and other enterprises from every U.S. region. For more information: www.wepaythetariffs.com.
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