Americans are increasingly worried that President Trump's trade war will worsen inflation, and consumer sentiment in the United States has dropped for the fifth straight month.

The University of Michigan closely watched preliminary reading of the Consumer Sentiment Index, down 2.7% per month to 50.8, the lowest reading since July 2022. The sign has fallen by nearly 30% since January, with Americans worried about the economic outlook and its financial outlook.

"These findings suggest that under Trump's economic agenda, consumer spending may be increasingly limited," Carl B. Weinberg, chief economist at high frequency economics at investor consulting firm, said in a research note.

Weinberg added that a decline in confidence could lead Americans to stick to buying large items until they have a clearer understanding of what’s going on in the economy. He added: “Uncertainty often inspires a sense of family that saving more is a good idea.”

More severe than it seems?

Oliver Allen, senior economist at ABC macroeconomics, noted that the initial Michigan investigation may not have captured any emotional improvements in the U.S. and China, who agreed to ease tariffs earlier this week.

"(w) increasingly doubtful consumer surveys, especially those in Michigan, are currently making an overly negative description of consumer outlook," Allen said in a report. "Despite recent confidence, it grew 1.7% in March and title retail sales increased 1.7% in April.

Trump imposed 145% tariffs on all imports from China in April, a move that effectively freezes trade with the U.S.'s third largest commodity trading partner. But on Monday, the two countries said they agreed to reduce U.S. tariffs to 30%, while China lowered its tariffs on U.S. exports to 10% from 125%.

The United States reached earlier this month Trade deals with the UKAlthough trade experts say the agreement shows that high tariffs are Ready to stay where In the foreseeable future.

Mr Trump said Friday that his administration will send letters of notification Other countries with tariff rates The United States will impose imports.

"(w) At the same time, there are 150 countries who want to reach a deal, but you don't see a lot of countries," Trump said at a roundtable between the United States and the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

Americans have had a bad view of where the economy is heading, which has the potential to slow growth and raise prices after the Trump administration imposed huge import duties. In recent weeks, the White House has withdrawn its toughest policies, although average responsibilities remain high by historical standards.

exist April CBS News Poll44% of Americans approved Mr. Trump's treatment of the economy, down from 51% on March 2.