Many school supply categories are at least 20% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic

Backpacks and travel bags are almost 30% more expensive.

Percent change in the producer price index | May 2019–May 2025

The line chart shows the percent change in the U.S. producer price index between May 2019 and May 2025 for key school supply categories.

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Chart: Gabriel Cortes / CNBCSource: CNBC analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stastitics' producer price index