Ultimate dad crash out? Tariffs drive up the costs of traditional Father’s Day gifts, celebrations

Ahead of Father’s Day, MISTA renews call for consistent trade policies to help lower prices for Michigan families



LANSING, Michigan — Tariffs on everything from grills to fishing gear to neckties will make it more expensive to say “Happy Father’s Day!” this year.

Many traditional Father’s Day gifts have spiked in price due to tariffs. Prices for grills, fishing gear and running shoes are all up because of tariffs. Neckties are more expensive. A survey by the Michigan Retailers Association found tariffs have forced stores across the Great Lakes state to raise prices and stock fewer goods.

The cost of food is also up because of tariffs. David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University, said that while tariffs are not the only reason for higher prices, they raise costs, reduce competition and create uncertainty that keeps food prices elevated.

“When Michiganders gather to celebrate dad this weekend, they will see the impacts of tariffs firsthand in their pocketbooks as they buy gifts and prepare for a backyard barbeque,” said John Sellek, a spokesman for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance. “Michigan families are looking to Congress to enact stable and predictable trade policies that lower prices and boost our state’s economy.”

“With tariffs raising the costs on everything from fishing gear to golf equipment, it’s more expensive to say, ‘Thanks, dad!’” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “No amount of dad jokes can soften the blow of these erratic tariffs. Michigan families need to see an end to erratic and on-again-off-again trade policies that continue to drive up costs.”