Tariffs Will Hit All U.S. Imports. Price Hikes for These Items May Surprise You

Wall Street Journal

03-04-2025

President Trump's announcement of 10% across-the-board tariffs on all imports to the U.S. and even higher rates for some nations' goods will likely affect the prices of everything from everyday items like cereal to big-ticket purchases like cars.
Many economists say the breadth of the tariff hike—with big hits concentrated on major trading partners—will drive inflation higher than they had initially thought. It could take some time to see the price hikes, as businesses work out just how much of the tariff cost to pass along to consumers.
Below are several items that the U.S. overwhelmingly depends on overseas suppliers for, according to analytics firm Trade Partnership Worldwide. Some will be facing tariff rates in the high double digits—and could see significant price hikes.
U.S. cigar lovers might soon be paying more for their tobacco experience, as the U.S. gets about 64% of its imported cigars from the Dominican Republic, according to TPW. Goods from the country will soon face a 10% U.S. tariff. The cigar category includes cigarillos, which are short and thin and sometimes have added fruit flavors.
Marriage proposals might soon get more expensive for those looking to pop the question with a diamond engagement ring. The U.S. gets both 92% of its imported synthetic diamonds and 45% of its imported cut-and-polished diamonds from India. The country will soon be facing a 26% tariff—a significant enough hit that importers will likely want to pass on to consumers, at least in part.
The U.S. gets about 88% of its imported pineapples from Costa Rica. Goods from the country will soon face a 10% U.S. tariff. The category includes both fresh and dried forms of the fruit.
Gifting a loved one a fancy watch made in Switzerland could soon cost a lot more. The U.S. relies on the country for more than 90% of its imported precious-metal wristwatches. All Swiss goods will soon be slapped with a 31% tariff at U.S. ports.
Finding a substitute watch might be difficult. The U.S. gets about 49% of its imported metal wristwatches with mechanical displays from Switzerland and 37% from Japan. The latter country is getting hit with a new 24% rate.
Tariff costs might soon be coming to your trail mix. The U.S. gets 89% of its imported cashews from Vietnam, which will soon face a 46% tariff.
Christmas is many months away, but paying for that holiday cheer will likely be more expensive this year. Cambodia is a huge supplier of Christmas lights to the U.S. About 66% of imported LED Christmas lights and 74% of imported non-LED Christmas lights come from the country, which will soon face 49% tariffs.
Write to Chao Deng at [e-mail]