Des Moines — Parents across Iowa are seeing higher price tags on back‑to‑school essentials this year. Sean Severe, an economics professor at Drake University, explained that overall school‑supply costs have risen between 7 and 9 percent compared with a year ago.
Tariffs and foreign conflict behind the price climb
Severe pointed to recent tariffs on imported goods as a major factor. “We’re kind of seeing the effects of tariffs finally playing out where last year tariffs were kind of imposed, but now they’re really starting to ramp up,” he said. “That means all imported goods are going to be marked up.”
He also cited the ongoing war with Iran, which began in February, as another driver of higher costs. “That’s pushing up energy prices, which also brings up the price of imports and just brings up the price of transportation overall,” Severe added.
What items are most affected?
Many school supplies are produced overseas, from paper notebooks to clothing and the metal used in scissors. Even items that are only partially imported, such as binders, feel the impact. In addition to the supplies themselves, families should expect higher expenses for gas on school‑run trips and for school lunches.
How families can respond
Severe offered practical advice for Iowa shoppers. He recommends looking for discounts at large retailers such as Target and Walmart, and buying in bulk rather than purchasing items semester by semester. “I would really suggest that you probably buy them right now and maybe stock up over the course of a year, because in six months from now, prices might be higher again,” he said.
Local parents are encouraged to compare prices, use coupons, and consider second‑hand options where appropriate. Community groups and school PTAs may also organize bulk‑purchase programs to help families stretch their budgets.
Study backs up the numbers
A recent study by the Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation found that school‑supply costs increased by 7.7 percent nationwide this year, aligning closely with Severe’s observations for Iowa.
While the higher costs present a challenge for families, the advice from a local economist offers a roadmap for navigating the season without breaking the household budget.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
