CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Economy

This Black Friday, Remember How Global Trade Keeps Gifts Affordable

08:59 PM, 11/28/2025
This Black Friday, Remember How Global Trade Keeps Gifts Affordable

Global trade and competitive retailing have made holiday gifting easier and more affordable, from next-day electronics to imported flowers. Recent policy moves to raise tariffs have raised concerns that everyday items could become more expensive. Data show manufacturing's share of employment fell from 27% in 1964 to 8% in 2024, while inflation-adjusted median household income rose from $66,750 to $83,730. The article argues that trade has increased real living standards and broadened access to affordable gifts.

Every holiday season many of us scramble to find meaningful ways to show care for friends and family. Thanks to global markets and competitive retailing, buying thoughtful presents is now easier—and often much cheaper—than in previous decades.

Online platforms let you order a remote-controlled helicopter and have it delivered the next day at a price far below what earlier shoppers paid. If you tend to forget anniversaries or birthdays, imported bouquets can be ordered through services like Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats and delivered to the doorstep. Even niche items—such as a specialty magazine printed on Finnish paper—are simple to buy and ship across borders.

Policy Changes and Their Costs

Recent political debates have cast the benefits of trade as costs. Senator J.D. Vance has argued that “a million cheap, knockoff toasters aren't worth the price of a single American manufacturing job.” More assertively, President Donald Trump has pursued higher tariffs, and administrations have acknowledged that higher trade barriers can raise consumer prices. Reported changes in U.S. average tariff rates—from 2.5% to roughly 12.5%—have prompted warnings that imports and everyday goods may become more expensive for shoppers.

“Children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls,” a White House official warned, adding that toys may also “cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.”

What the Data Shows

The U.S. economy has undergone significant structural change. In January 1964, manufacturing accounted for 27% of nonfarm employment; by 2024 that share had fallen to about 8%. That shift did not translate into lower living standards for most households. Median household income, adjusted for inflation, rose from approximately $66,750 in 1964 to about $83,730 in 2024—a real increase of roughly 25%. Over the same period, imports grew from about 4.1% of GDP to 14%, expanding the variety and affordability of consumer goods.

Cheaper goods made possible by global supply chains allow people to give more and better tokens of care without stretching budgets. Gifts are only one expression of affection—experiences and time together matter too—but lower prices increase the ability of many families to share meaningful presents.

Bottom Line

This Black Friday is a timely reminder that global trade and market competition have played a major role in increasing consumers' purchasing power. Policy choices that raise barriers to trade can make everyday goods and holiday gifts more expensive, so decisions about tariffs and trade policy should weigh those consumer costs alongside the goal of reshoring industry.

Similar Articles

Trending