Ready or not, here they come, you can’t hide. Tariffs are back, and this time, your wallet is the target.
On April 2, the U.S. announced a sweeping expansion of sector-specific tariffs, a move that could send the cost of everyday goods soaring just as American consumers are beginning to breathe a little easier on inflation.
From electronics to appliances, toys to textiles, this latest round of tariffs may sound patriotic, but the economic math is panning out to be anything but.
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Let’s be clear: tariffs are taxes, not a tax cut. While rhetoric might pitch them as a penalty for foreign manufacturers, in practice, the added cost almost always gets passed down to you and me, without any reversal from big corporations down the line.
According to a 2019 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the full cost of tariffs imposed during the first Trump administration was passed on to U.S. importers and consumers — with no meaningful reduction in foreign export prices.
We’re already seeing the warning signs. Walmart and Target have each issued statements about rising prices on groceries and general merchandise if tariffs take effect, with reports claiming Walmart is already pushing Chinese suppliers to slash prices over tariffs in order to prioritize customers, despite Beijing backlash.
And if 2018 is any guide, expect this new wave to hit hard: Prices on household appliances like washing machines jumped 12% after tariffs kicked in during the last trade war, according to Consumer Reports.
Even sectors that aren’t directly targeted tend to feel the squeeze. Manufacturers move production to tariff-free countries, but with supply chains in flux, costs still climb — and often, quality slips. Inflation has slowed in recent months, but this looming policy shift threatens to reheat prices across categories.
What to Buy Before the Price Hikes Hit
Now that all the Liberation Day tariff details are out in the open, reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg that explained how the administration was eyeing a vast expansion in consumer-facing categories really panned out.
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So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech, refreshing your kitchen, or grabbing a few early gifts ahead of the summer, this isn’t a drill. It’s a deadline.
Because this is what we love to do (and what we’re pretty good at, I might add), below, we’ve rounded up the smartest categories to shop before prices spike.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony’s WH-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComforts all share a manufacturing origin: China. That makes them likely targets in a new tariff rollout. One notable example of the recent tariff announcement would be all Apple products, as highlighted by its $300 billion loss in market value — or nearly 10% — in intraday trading on Thursday, April 3, as fears of Trump’s 54% tariff rate on goods imported from China took its toll.
When a similar policy was enacted in 2019, headphone prices climbed nearly 10%. With audio tech already seeing markdowns ahead of travel and festival season, there’s no better time to lock in premium sound while you still can at pre-tariff prices.
Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems
TP-Link, Netgear, and Amazon-owned Eero routers also depend on Chinese and Taiwanese production lines. When consumer electronics get hit again, connectivity hardware will likely be major part of the fallout. Whether you’re working from home or streaming everything, investing in stable, high-speed internet gear now is a smart and timely move.
Smart TVs
During the last major round of tariffs, smart TVs saw price hikes of up to 20%. TCL and Hisense are especially exposed, but even brands like Samsung and LG source panels and chips from Asia.
Luggage Sets
If travel’s on your agenda, don’t wait to upgrade your suitcase. Over 90% of luggage sold in the U.S. is likely imported from countries now under Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Brands like Samsonite, Rockland, and Amazon Basics rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories. Once tariffs take their full effect, sticker prices will soon reflect — and quality options that are easily affordable may disappear fast. Read more about the best luggage brands we’ve reviewed.
Kitchen Appliances
Small appliances like air fryers, stand mixers, and espresso machines often rely on parts sourced from China, even when the final assembly is done elsewhere. If tariffs affect electronics and steel simultaneously, expect a double whammy on kitchen gadgets.
Major Home Appliances
Washing machines and refrigerators were some of the first products to see price hikes during the 2018 tariff surge, with tariffs ranging from 20% to 50%. Whirlpool admitted to $100+ increases per unit. LG and Samsung still rely heavily on imported parts. With spring renovations underway, this sale window could be your last chance to buy before prices surge.
Even when companies like LG and Samsung moved some production stateside in response to tariffs — opening U.S. plants in Tennessee and South Carolina, respectively — the shift didn’t fully shield consumers from price hikes. That’s because many key components, including motors and control boards, are still sourced from abroad.
As the Wall Street Journal reported, Samsung continues to import many of the parts used at its South Carolina plant from South Korea and other countries. So even with “Made in America” assembly, the global supply chain remains vulnerable to added costs — costs that often end up baked into the retail price.
Outdoor Furniture
Most outdoor patio furniture — frames, fabrics, cushions — is made or assembled overseas. In 2018, this category saw a 17% price hike after new tariffs took effect. Whether you’re prepping for pool season or finally furnishing your balcony, outdoor sets are an especially vulnerable category you’ll want to buy early.
Tools and Home Improvement Gear
Drills, saws, sanders — if it’s in your garage, it probably has parts made in Mexico or China. DEWALT, Makita, and Bosch all rely on international components. As with past tariff hikes, cordless power tools could jump nearly 10% in cost. Consider this your green light to grab those upgrades before DIY season ramps up.
Toys and Games
Whereas toys remain a category that still has an unexpected amount of manufacturing in the U.S., like New Jersey-based Cra-Z-Art, most household name brands including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf are all produced outside the U.S., and all likely to get pricier now that Trump has announced his tariffs. During the last tariff cycle, toy prices climbed over 7% in one holiday season. With Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and spring holidays ahead, locking in gifts now could save you serious cash later.
Footwear and Apparel Basics
Over 70% of footwear and 40% of clothing in the U.S. is imported from China. That includes sneakers, jeans, activewear, and essentials from GAP, Adidas, Levi’s, and more. When tariffs land here again, prices on everyday staples will jump; no doubt about it. Buying basics now — when stock is high and prices are low — is the smartest wardrobe refresh move you can make.
TL;DR: If you’ve been putting off a purchase, this is your sign. Prices will rise. If history shows us anything, corporations will take this chance to raise prices regardless of how they shift their costs — if they have to at all. Tariffs in the news are a great way to drive up profits while consumers aren’t paying attention. Stocks may dip again and again. Buy smart, buy early — and avoid paying for politics at checkout.
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