Virginia Families Face Rising Costs as Tariff Fallout Grows

Virginia families are paying more for everyday goods, and a growing body of analysis suggests federal tariff policy is a major driver — with costs expected to continue rising.

A February report from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that tariffs implemented during the Trump administration increased household expenses by an average of $1,000 in 2025. If those tariffs remain in place, the burden is projected to climb to roughly $1,300 per household in 2026. The group described the policy as the largest U.S. tax increase relative to GDP in more than three decades.

Legal challenges have added further uncertainty. Around the same time the report was released, the Supreme Court ruled that key elements of the tariff policy exceeded executive authority, raising questions about their legality and future enforcement.

Small Businesses Feel the Pressure

For small business owners in Virginia, the impact is already tangible.

Sabrina Mattin, owner of Wool + Loom, a handmade rug shop in Fairfax County, said rising import costs have squeezed her margins and forced difficult decisions about pricing and inventory. Her business relies on rugs sourced from artisan women abroad — supply chains that are now more expensive to maintain.

“Our customers want to support ethical sourcing,” Mattin said. “But when everyday costs are rising across the board, affordability becomes a real challenge.”

Families Struggle to Keep Up

For many households, higher prices are hitting even closer to home.

Virginia Beach resident Bernita Richardson, who cares for a son with special needs and two elderly parents, said her family has no financial cushion to absorb rising costs. Living on a fixed income, she described the strain as immediate and ongoing.

Richardson also voiced frustration with her representative, Rep. Jen Kiggans, who supported a House procedural rule that prevented votes on repealing the tariffs. Kiggans’ office did not respond to requests for comment.

What Comes Next

With the procedural block now expired, House Democrats are expected to push for votes to repeal the tariffs. Still, any legislation faces steep obstacles: it would need to pass both chambers of Congress and overcome a likely presidential veto — a threshold Democrats currently lack the numbers to meet.

Meanwhile, Virginia has joined a coalition of states seeking refunds for residents, arguing that the tariffs were unlawfully imposed and have unfairly burdened consumers.

For now, families and businesses across the state are left navigating higher costs with no clear timeline for relief.