Americans watch prices rise amid tariffs and conflict with Iran ahead of midterm elections this fall

Americans say they are facing rising costs for food, clothes, rent and gas as renewed tariffs take effect and gas prices rise amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, making economic concerns a key factor ahead of this fall's midterm elections, polls show.

Riche Jackson, 60, watches every cent he spends and admits that he chooses where to shop based on price. He is worried that tariffs are making things more expensive.

"Everything is more expensive. I have diabetes, so I have to choose what I eat carefully," he told China Daily. "I do have insurance though, so that covers my medical. I find food, stuff for the house, anything I buy costs more now than a few years back. I think that the tariffs are making things cost more. So many stores are expensive, I go to the ones that charge less to make sure I stay in my budget."

Ahead of the critical 2026 midterms, a crucial test for any president, held two years into a four-year term, voters are worried about the cost of living and the economy, polls show.

Over half (54 percent) of registered voters said that the economy and high prices will be "an important factor" in their vote for Congress this year, a Washington Post/IPSOS poll from July 16 found.

But Americans are split on which party has the best economic policies — 37 percent said the Democratic Party, while 36 percent said the Republicans, a Pew Research Center survey from July 23 found.

While voters will not cast a ballot on the presidency, the results are seen as a reflection of how things are going.

At stake are 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 seats in the US Senate, as well as elections for state governors and local election races.

President Donald Trump championed the strength of the US economy this week while in Michigan speaking to autoworkers.

"We had the single greatest year we've ever had as a country. We're not going to let these people destroy it," Trump said at General Motors Proving Ground in Michigan Monday. He added that, "in 18 months, we've turned this country completely around".

Democrats are drilling down on the message that his policies, especially tariffs, have made life more unaffordable for Americans.

Last week, the Trump administration announced that it will impose new Section 301 tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent starting July 24 on more than 60 trade partners, over claims they have failed to stop forced labor.

China will likely face an additional 12.5 percent import rate. At least 17 trading partners will face a 10 percent duty.

The new tariffs began just as the temporary 10 percent tariffs enacted in February expired. Those were put in place after a Supreme Court ruling struck down tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

The US imported $308.4 billion of goods from China in 2025, down 29.7 percent from 2024, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Yusuf Scott, 43, from Brooklyn, New York told China Daily: "I think the impact of the tariffs are very bad because it's increasing the crime. People steal, they're shoplifting because they can't afford some things. I think that is messed up and I think they [the government] need to do something about it. Talk to other countries. Lower them or get rid of them."

In June, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers fell 0.4 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.5 percent over the last 12 months up to June, not seasonally adjusted, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on July 17.

Housing increased 3.3 percent over the last year, BLS said.

Scott added: "Rent is very expensive. And it's, like, $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment here. You know, in New York City, everything in the stores is expensive, so the cost of living is very high.

"My rent went up maybe $500 recently when I renewed my lease. I work a 9-to-5 job, and plus I have a side job at a security company, so God blessed me to where I can survive, but some people can't."

Americans are also concerned about rising gas prices amid the on-again-off-again conflict with Iran and delays in the Strait of Hormuz — which handled at least 20 percent of the world's oil supply before the crisis.

The average gas price in the US was $4.10 per gallon on Tuesday, according to the American Automobile Association.

In June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to stop the military conflict and begin a 60-day negotiation period, and there was a recent pause in fighting.

Trump said on Monday that the higher fuel prices were because they "didn't behave", but he added that he had a plan to lower them.

Charles Patterson, 68, from New York added: "Prices are ridiculous. It's just going up more and more. I'm spending more money on clothes and food. I'm sick of the tariffs raising prices. I get extra money anyhow I can. You gotta work more. We're all doing the best we can."