Five items people are buying before Trump’s tariffs take effect exposed.
Brace yourself: former President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are set to kick in August 1—and they’re aimed squarely at your wallet.
Trump’s tariffs explained.
Back on the campaign trail and still commanding the GOP, Trump is reviving one of his signature economic strategies: slapping tariffs on foreign imports.
On what he called “Liberation Day,” Trump announced sweeping new tariffs meant to “restore American independence” from foreign manufacturing.
The markets responded like they were on a rollercoaster—investors didn’t know what would be hit, when it would happen, or how high prices could go.
This isn’t Trump’s first time using tariffs as an economic weapon. In 2018, he kicked off a massive trade war with China, imposing over $250 billion in tariffs.
China hit back with retaliatory tariffs. U.S. farmers and businesses felt the squeeze. Trump’s message? “We’ll win in the end.”
As the pandemic upended supply chains, tariff enforcement softened—but Trump wasn’t done. Post-2020, he ramped it back up again.
This time around, the focus is broader: Mexico, Europe, and even allies like Canada are seeing their goods taxed as part of Trump’s “economic nationalism.”
While a post-Brexit deal with Britain softened the blow for some items, many countries saw no such relief. For Americans? That means higher costs.
According to his aides, the tariffs are a “temporary pain” meant to bring back U.S. manufacturing. Critics say the pain’s all on the consumer.
Big names like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot are preparing for a serious pricing shift. One exec warned, “Shoppers will absolutely feel this.”
Despite the political spin, most experts agree: tariffs get passed down to you. You’ll see it at the register, and fast.
There’s now less than a month before major price changes hit across several industries. Smart shoppers are acting now.
Forbes has identified five product categories where you’ll most likely feel the pinch—bad news if you’ve been putting off any big purchases.
#1: Tech.
Electronics are a major target. If it’s got a chip, a screen, or a foreign-made component, it’s probably getting more expensive soon.
Even if exact prices aren’t confirmed, the mere threat of tariffs is enough for manufacturers to preemptively hike costs.
#2: Furniture.
About 75% of furniture in the U.S. is imported. That means sofas, dining tables, and even your IKEA office desk are all under threat.
#3: Textiles.
Clothing and home textiles are heavily imported. Think: sneakers, bath towels, men’s shorts, handbags. This isn’t boutique fashion—it’s everyday stuff.
#4: Food.
Nearly two-thirds of America’s vegetables and nearly half of its fruits and nuts come from Mexico. With tariffs in place, grocery prices could spike fast.
Let that sink in—$45 billion. If even a portion of that gets hit with tariffs, it’ll ripple through the food supply chain immediately.
#5: Home Appliances.
Already taxed under steel tariffs, appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators are expected to rise again under the new measures.
Experts are urging consumers to ignore the calendar and buy now. Those upcoming sales might not even happen if wholesale prices jump.
One major appliance dealer reported a noticeable uptick in large purchases, calling it “tariff prep mode.”
The Trump camp admits there’ll be a rough patch, but insists it’s “worth it for economic freedom.” For shoppers? It’s just more expensive.
This is not just a Wall Street problem. This is what’s about to happen at Costco, at Best Buy, at Lowe’s, at Whole Foods.
Scan your home. What needs replacing? What big purchase have you delayed? If it’s on this list, get it now.
Deadline: August 1st.
That’s the day it all changes. After that, retailers will adjust—and shoppers will pay.
If you’re caught on the wrong side of the deadline, you could see hundreds tacked onto what would’ve been a normal shopping trip.
This isn’t a drill or a hypothetical. It’s a federal-level economic move with real consequences for the average household.
Many stores offer price locks or price guarantees—take advantage now. And don’t be afraid to stock up on essentials.
By the time you feel it, it’ll already be too late. Shop now or pay more later—Trump’s tariffs are here, and your budget is on the line.