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We have been hearing the word "tariff" quite a bit lately. But what about "pink" tariffs? Find out what this is and how it may impact you further down this email. 

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🏠️ Today’s Current Mortgage Rates

According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are 6.81% and 15-year rates are 5.94% as of April 24, 2025. The following chart shows the 30-year mortgage rate trend over the last year.

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👚 Why ‘Pink’ Tariffs Exist

If you’re a woman, tariffs are hitting your clothing harder than men’s clothing.

That’s right: tariffs are about 3% higher for women’s clothing and shoes vs. men’s.

Called “pink tariffs” by some, the Progressive Policy Institute analyzed more than 700 clothing tariff lines and found that women’s clothing faced an average tariff of 16.7% compared to 13.6% for men.

Unisex options don’t amount to a workaround, as they’re automatically tariffed the same as women’s options.

According to Forbes: “Currently, in the U.S., imported consumer goods are categorized and taxed by classification. Clothing is a common example, as specific textile codes can, and often do, dictate a higher tax rate for an item that’s classified as a woman’s article of clothing.”

The difference amounts to $2.8 billion in extra costs for women’s items each year.

According to CNN, the gap varies between items. Women’s underwear gets hit with a 12.8% tariff, according to the most recent available data, vs. 8.6% for men’s underwear.

CNN also says that it’s a vestige from the 1930s and ’40s when America influenced global free trade. At the time, women’s clothing was a cottage industry, and leaders spent more time lobbying for lower tariffs on men’s clothing.

“Steve Madden, Asics, Columbia Sportswear and other companies sued the government in 2007 to strike down the tariff policy, but the suit failed because courts ruled that the tariff gaps were not designed to be discriminatory,” CNN wrote.

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🎙️ Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, our Consumer Action Center received several calls from consumers that Fidelity was trying to sell them annuities! Clark explains what’s going on and why you need to think twice before you listen to the pitch.

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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