Walmart Announces Major Change to Its Product Line
By: Anne Erickson (Men's Journal via MSN)
Walmart has entered into e-commerce competition with Amazon, experiencing varying degrees of success. Amazon has built its business model around being the outlet for foreign small businesses. Imagine what would happen if Walmart shifted its business model around US small businesses entering the e-commerce ecosystem. Wouldn't that be a win-win for Walmart, US businesses, and consumers?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
As the new U.S. tariffs start to impact the way companies do business, Walmart is staying at the forefront of changes to continue to serve customers. During Walmart's latest earnings call in February, CEO Doug McMillon emphasized that this is not the first time the company had to deal with tariffs, so Walmart is prepared.
"Tariffs are something we've managed for many years, and we'll just continue to manage that," he stated on the call. "We can't predict what will happen in the future, but we can manage it really well."
Now, amid the new tariffs, Walmart is introducing a new program for small businesses that could help in the long run. The program, named Grow With Us, is focused on assisting small U.S. businesses get the training and resources they need to start to offer products to Walmart. If the program is successful, that means shoppers could see a change in products available and more offerings from small U.S. businesses.
According to Walmart, more than 60% of its U.S. suppliers are small businesses. Now, with Grow With Us, "Walmart is making it easier for U.S.-based entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of retail and bring their products to a national stage," Walmart explained in a company statement.
One of the ways Walmart is helping is with Walmart's Supplier Academy, a "free, tailored curriculum designed to help small businesses succeed in Walmart’s U.S. stores and online Marketplace." The program offers 30 e-learning modules across four distinct learning paths.
Walmart has also launched some discovery opportunities, including their annual U.S. Open Call, RangeMe product discovery tool and Walmart Marketplace. In addition, the company is offering mentorship and financing opportunities.
"Small businesses play a powerful role in bringing unique products to market to help meet the diverse needs of customers and communities nationwide," Walmart stated in a release. "We're excited to continue providing support for and championing the achievements of these businesses every step of the way."
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Yes, the tariffs will increase prices on some goods. But will we experience 8 percent inflation like we did under the previous administration's policies?
Nerm
We don't know.....yet.....
approximately 80 percent of Walmart’s suppliers still located in China,
FACT SHEET: Walmart's Made in America Pledge - Alliance for American Manufacturing
That link uses ten year old data. While Walmart does heavily rely on foreign suppliers, I believe the Chinese share of that supply has decreased. Walmart needed to diversify its supply chains, too.
Well here is the current data - still more than 1/2 of shelf merchandise comes from China and rest assured the other 40% is not all domestically produced
How Trump’s 2025 Tariffs Are Hurting Walmart and Shoppers.
Walmart , the world's largest retailer, has long depended on imports from China to meet the demands of its vast consumer base. Estimates suggest that approximately 60% of Walmart's merchandise is sourced from China in 2025, including a wide array of items such as electronics, clothing, toys, and household goods. This reliance makes Walmart particularly susceptible to international trade policies, especially the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration in 2025.
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The direct consequence of these tariffs has been higher prices for consumers. Products such as electronics, clothing, and household items have seen noticeable price increases. For instance, the Yale Budget Lab estimates that the average American household is paying an additional $4,900 annually due to these tariffs, disproportionately affecting lower-income families.
Walmart, China, and Trump's 2025 Tariffs Explained
It’s a simple exercise - go into any big box store and try to find things made in America. Pack a lunch.
That's true. But there is an increasing diversity in supply today. China may be the largest single source of goods but China is not the predominant source of imported goods. Chinese imports account for only about 20 to 30 percent of the supply goods in most categories. And the Chinese share of imports has been shrinking since the pandemic. Businesses really have been trying to diversify their supply chains.
China is not the predominant source of imported goods. Chinese imports account for only about 20 to 30 percent of the supply goods in most categories.
Not at Walmart - see comment above - 60% is the number at Walmart as of 2025