Why This Still Matters â And Why Itâs Getting Realer
Tariffs arenât just a news headlineâtheyâre a daily impact on what your family can afford, where you spend, and how long your savings last.
As of today:
The U.S.âChina tariff truce has been extended 90 more days, preventing a spike, but uncertainty lingers ahead of the holiday shopping season.
The effective U.S. tariff rate is now an estimated 18.6%, the highest since the 1930s.
Consumers are about to bear a much bigger share of the cost, report projections show Americans absorbing roughly 67% of future tariff pain as businesses raise prices.
Starting August 29, even small packages from abroad will be taxed, and free rides will no longer be allowed under the $800 de minimis rule. Expect duties from 15% to 50%, or an $80 flat rate for undefined cases.
Latin American and Indian goods are also increasingly impacted. India now faces a 50% U.S. tariff, threatening exports in textiles, shrimp, chemicals, and more.
Critics warn these policies are fueling inflation and hitting families hard. U.S. households could lose an estimated $2,400 in 2025 alone.
Why This Matters for Your Expat Plans
High import costs slowly chip away at your lifestyle, from groceries and school supplies to healthcare access and global goods. If youâre building a life abroad, these rising costs are a key reason why flexibility and location choice arenât just nice to have; theyâre strategic.
In places like Portugal, Spain, Mexico, or across Asia, our community's families benefit from more value for money, stronger safety nets, and lower overhead costs. And right now, itâs not about avoiding tariffsâitâs about creating a lifestyle where these shifts donât shape your life.
Iâd love to hear from you:
How do rising prices or global policy shifts impact your hopes for living abroad? Comment below, Iâm here to listen and help you think through whatâs possible.
YOUR EXPAT LIFE READING LIST
Why This Economy Makes Now the Perfect Time to Build Your Expat Entrepreneur Life
As JPMorgan raises recession odds to 60%, I'm hearing from more Americans than ever who are asking: "Is now the time to finally make that move abroad?" My answer might surprise you â economically, there's never been a better moment to combine expatriation with entrepreneurship.
10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Destination Country
You've made the exciting decision to move your family abroad. Now comes the crucial question: where?
Ready to Transform Your Expat Dreams into Reality?
Beyond Borders: Permission to Leave, Freedom to Live Abroad is a guided email journey that helps families move from secretly dreaming about living abroad to confidently planning their international future.
Through practical lessons, personal stories, and actionable worksheets, you'll:
Break through the mental barriers holding you back
Discover the surprising truth about raising global children
Navigate the financial realities (not myths) of living abroad
Create a clear path from dreaming to doing
Stop closing browser tabs and start opening doors to your family's global adventure. Join families who've already discovered that moving abroad isn't just possibleâit's transformative.
Thank you for being here!