How tariffs could cause shortages in American stores

American retailers are bracing for supply chain disruptions that could lead to price hikes and shortages.

The National Retail Federation estimates that overall imports to the U.S. will fall by 20 percent in the second half of this year if tariffs are maintained near current levels.

Some big retailers, such as Target , have reportedly halted all orders from China .

Every day and each mixed signal from the Trump administration pushes the economy into a longer period of disruption and uncertainty.

Consumers might recognize some similarities to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when essential items suddenly became scarce.

"The whole situation is a bit like lockdowns," Hart wrote on X.com .