How Trump's Tariffs Will Impact Your Shopping List (and What To Do About It)

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I left a dozen items in my Amazon cart and when I went back to my cart AFTER Trump’s tariffs, every price had gone up. Coincidence? Maybe. The latest round of import tariffs (particularly those aimed at China) could affect more than just international relations. If you’re like most of us who budget for groceries, electronics, and a comfy pair of sneakers, these new costs might hit you right in the shopping cart. Here’s what you need to know.

How Trump's Tariffs Will Impact Your Shopping List (and What To Do About It)

Electronics (Phones, Laptops, TVs)

What’s happening: Tariffs on Chinese-made components are likely to raise the prices of everyday tech—think iPhones, Androids, tablets, and TVs. Even if your favorite brands are American, many parts (and entire products) come from China.

Some analysts are even predicting that an iPhone will cost $3,500 if Apple brings only 10% off their manufacturing back to the United States.

Why it matters: That upgrade you’ve been putting off might get pricier by fall. Especially at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Costco. The best time to upgrade might be now.

PRO TIP: MAKE REURB YOUR FRIEND

When possible, buy refurbished directly from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, or Dell. They’re certified, warrantied, and usually a few hundred dollars cheaper. Bonus: you’re being eco-friendly, too.

Amazon Resale is also a great option as you can buy pre-owned, used, and open box electronics for up to 70% off the retail price.

Coffee Makers and Kitchen Gadgets

What’s happening: From air fryers to coffee machines, many small appliances rely on Chinese manufacturing or internal components.

Why it matters: Brands like Keurig, Ninja, and Instant Pot depend heavily on Chinese manufacturing, so new tariffs could drive up their production costs. And you better believe retailers like Costco, Amazon, and Target will adjust their prices to cover that.

What to do: Many analysts suggest that while large appliances might see significant price shifts, small appliances could experience slower increases.

I think shoppers are going to get picky about prices, which could push brands to run more sales or look for cheaper ways to make their products without raising prices too much. If you can’t afford a new major appliance upgrade right now, I’d wait rather than go into credit card debt.

PRO TIP: WATCH FOR OPEN-BOX SPECIALS

Watch for open-box deals at Best Buy or shop clearance aisles. Bonus: check if your credit card offers extended warranties on electronics and fix ’em instead of replace them.

Also, don’t overlook refurbished items on Amazon or direct from the brand. Many come with warranties and work just like new.

Auto Parts & Repairs

What’s happening: You can bet that tariffs on imported auto parts is gonna make car repairs more expensive, especially for things like brakes, filters, and sensors.

Why it matters: If your car’s been making that “I’ll deal with it later” noise, now’s the time to deal with it. Places like Pep Boys, Midas, and even dealership service centers will start charging more soon for parts.

That little rattle might cost a lot less today than it will a month or two from now.

PRO TIP: DO BIG REPAIRS NOW

Lock in repairs now. And for DIYers, check out used parts from reputable local salvage yards or RockAuto.com. You might save 40% or more.

Clothing and Shoes

What’s happening: A huge percentage of America’s affordable fashion is made in China, Cambodia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. That includes basics from Target, Amazon, Walmart, Old Navy, and Kohl’s.

These countries face tariffs ranging from 26% all the way up to 49%.

Why it matters: That $20 pair of jeans? It might be $28 before you know it. And your go-to $12 tee at Old Navy? Get ready to pay $15.

What to do: Smart shoppers are already turning to spots like eBay for better deals. You can score both new and gently used clothes for way less than what you’d pay in stores—and half the time, they still have the tags on.

PRO TIP: SHOP EARLY FOR WINTER

Buy out-of-season. Shop for winter coats in March and swimsuits in September. You’ll snag better deals and avoid tariff-inflated pricing.

Also, know the days that major retailers do their markdowns so you can get first dibs on new clearance items.

Avocados and Imported Groceries

What’s happening: Avocados from Mexico are still okay for now, but that could change. What’s already going up? Stuff like olive oil, cheese, and nuts. Tariffs on the ingredients are making those things more expensive, and it’s starting to show on store shelves.

Why it matters: Avocado toast used to be, what, $1.50? That might not last. Stores like Trader Joe’s and Safeway are getting hit with higher prices on imported stuff, so everything from olive oil to avocados could go up. Could turn your cheap breakfast into a splurge real fast.

PRO TIP: BUY DOMESTIC

Buy California-grown avocados in season, and explore local farmer’s markets.

For imports like olive oil and Parmesan, try ethnic grocery stores, they often have better prices and quality than chain supermarkets.

Toys and Games

What’s happening: About 85% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China. That includes dolls, action figures, electronic games…you name it.

Why it matters: Come holiday season, toy prices may surge, especially at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Five Below.

PRO TIP: MAKE “USED” YOUR FRIEND

Shop early. Like, now. And don’t sleep on consignment sales or neighborhood swaps, many barely-used toys end up there after birthdays and holidays.

Wine

What’s happening: Love wine? Get ready to pay more. Bottles from places like France and Italy are getting slapped with a 20% tariff. So yeah, your favorite weeknight wine is about to get more expensive.

And it’s not just EU wines. Imports from the UK, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia (which also rank high in U.S. wine imports) will now come with a 10% tariff, according to the USDA.

Why it matters: Since these countries make up a big chunk of the wine we drink here in the U.S., don’t be surprised if your favorite bottle starts creeping up in price at Costco, Trader Joe’s, or your local grocery store.

PRO TIP: TIME TO CONSIDER STORE BRANDS

Love wine but hate the price hikes? Stick to store brands. Retailers like Costco (Kirkland Signature), Trader Joe’s (Two-Buck Chuck), and Aldi offer surprisingly solid bottles at wallet-friendly prices.

They’re often sourced from the same regions as big-name labels, just without the markup. Stock up before tariffs trickle down to shelf prices.

Furniture and Home Goods

What’s happening: From IKEA nightstands to Wayfair couches and Walmart dressers, most affordable furniture relies on Chinese manufacturing. Tariffs here could push prices way up.

Why it matters: Setting up a dorm, guest room, or new apartment just got more expensive. Check Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, or Buy Nothing groups. You’ll save money and maybe score something sturdier than flat-pack furniture.

PRO TIP: FIND A “RETURN” STORE

If you have an Amazon or Costco return store in your town, you’ll want to check it out when buying stuff for your dorm room. I’ve personally found HUGE deals on microwaves, small refrigerators, cool bedroom decor, and bathroom gadgets.

People are still going to be making returns, leading to liquidations, so these return stores should keep having great deals, despite the tariffs.

Cleaning Supplies and Personal Care

I swear, one week my dish soap is $3. Next week it’s $5.29 and pretending it’s always been that way.

A lot of that everyday stuff (laundry pods, shampoo, body wash) gets made with ingredients from China. So when tariffs go up, prices creep. Quietly. No warning. Just “surprise, your deodorant is now fancy and $7.”

Now I just grab extras of what we actually use when it’s on sale. Like, one backup. Not a prepper bunker situation. Just enough that I’m not paying full price for toothpaste next month.

Also switched to refills. Those giant jugs from Costco? Kind of annoying to store, but they last forever and save me money without me even trying.

PRO TIP: BUY IN BULK

Consider buying in bulk to take advantage of current pricing and reduce the frequency of purchases. Try refillable or concentrated products. Brands like Blueland, Grove, or Costco’s Kirkland concentrates often cost less per use and create less waste.

Scented Candles & Home Fragrance

Candle prices are getting weird. You think you’re grabbing your usual $24 one, but it rings up $29 and suddenly you’re doing math in the checkout line like you’re on a game show.

Most of that comes down to the oils and glass jars being imported. Tariffs mess with all of it.

So now I only buy candles during those Bath & Body Works blowout sales. You know the ones. If I miss it? Oh well. I’ve got a drawer full of wax melts that smell basically the same and cost way less.

PRO TIP: FIND SALES (THEY EXIST!)

Buy during semi-annual sales, or switch to wax melts and essential oil diffusers, which can stretch further per use.

School and Office Supplies

It’s the tiniest stuff (pens, highlighters, folders) and somehow it wrecks your budget if you’re not paying attention.

Most of it’s made overseas. So yeah, prices are gonna creep up, just in time for back-to-school season. Classic.

This year I’m buying early. Like, before July. Not gonna wait until the week before school when everything’s $4 and picked over.

Last year I spent $11 on a pack of dry erase markers. This year I’m not letting that happen again.

PRO TIP: DON’T WAIT

Stock up early in the summer when school supplies hit clearance bins. Warehouse stores also sell bulk packs at a big discount.

Pet Supplies

What’s happening: Pet toys, beds, grooming tools, and even packaging for pet treats almost 100% come from China.

Why it matters: If dog is chewer (like mine), that habit might start costing you more at PetSmart, Chewy, and Petco.

PRO TIP: DISCOUNT STORES ARE GREAT

Check discount stores like TJ Maxx or Marshalls for deals on pet beds, toys, and supplies. Or consider auto-ship discounts through Chewy for ongoing supplies.

I’m also a fan of the pet toys at the dollar store, if it’s something that’s going to be destroyed anyways, getting it for only $1.25 makes a lot of sense.

Holiday Decorations

What’s happening: Most artificial Christmas trees, Halloween décor, string lights, and seasonal trinkets are made in China.

Why it matters: You could see higher prices at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels.

PRO TIP: SHOP AFTER XMAS

Shop post-holiday clearance for next year, or try crafting your own décor using supplies from dollar stores or nature.

Tariffs might be here to stay, but they don’t have to wreck your budget. By planning ahead, shopping smarter, and getting a little creative, you can soften the blow and keep your finances in check.

And you never know, you might just discover better products and deals in the process.

Ask the Reader: What prices have you seen rise due to the tariffs…let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)

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