Trump's 10% tariff is coming: What to buy now before prices rise in US

Economic Times

23-05-2025

A blanket 10% tariff on imports, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to take effect in July, following the end of a 90-day grace period. If there are items on your wishlist, now is the time to act — or create that list fast — to avoid paying more later.
Many companies have stocked up in advance to cushion the blow, but rising prices now appear inevitable. Even products labeled "Made in USA" may not be immune, as they often rely on imported components like microchips, batteries, and fabrics — all subject to the new tariffs. As a result, production costs are going up, and retailers are gradually adjusting their prices. Walmart, for instance, plans to begin price increases later this month, continuing into June.
Starting in July, almost everything — especially imports — is likely to become more expensive. Expect hikes across tech gadgets, appliances, home goods, clothing, shoes, cars, and even groceries.
Top Recommendations Before the Tariffs Hit Major news outlets have already compiled expert-backed shopping lists. Here's a roundup of what to consider buying now:
Apple Devices – Manufactured overseas and already under cost pressure.
– Manufactured overseas and already under cost pressure. JBL Clip 5 – Compact and portable; prices may rise soon.
– Compact and portable; prices may rise soon. Anker Power Banks – Reliable power sources for your devices.
– Reliable power sources for your devices. Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 – The new model launches June 5, but accessory prices have already crept up.
– The new model launches June 5, but accessory prices have already crept up. Google Pixel Watch 3 – A new launch that could see rapid price changes.
– A new launch that could see rapid price changes. Camp Snap Camera – A fun gadget for photography lovers. Gap Cotton T-Shirts – Simple essentials with rising production costs.
– Simple essentials with rising production costs. Levi's 501 Jeans – Classic wardrobe staples likely to get costlier.
– Classic wardrobe staples likely to get costlier. Birkenstock Sandals – Comfort meets style, but prices are climbing.
– Comfort meets style, but prices are climbing. Under Armour Apparel – Performance wear affected by global manufacturing.
– Performance wear affected by global manufacturing. Nike Motiva Sneakers – Part of the sneaker trend, made abroad. Dreo Tower Fan – Stay cool before summer markups kick in.
– Stay cool before summer markups kick in. Dyson V8 Vacuum – A favorite that may face import duties.
– A favorite that may face import duties. Sproos Showerhead – Upgrade your bathroom while prices hold.
– Upgrade your bathroom while prices hold. IKEA Products – Many contain imported materials and parts.
– Many contain imported materials and parts. Casper & Saatva Mattresses – Buy now before component cost hikes. Ninja Air Fryers, Blenders, Coffee Machines – Highly functional items made overseas.
– Highly functional items made overseas. Combustion Predictive Thermometer – A high-tech gadget for precision cooking. Chocolate & Cocoa Products – Tariffs on agricultural imports could raise prices.
– Tariffs on agricultural imports could raise prices. Olive Oil – Largely imported, so stock up now. Fire TV Stick – Budget-friendly entertainment upgrade.
– Budget-friendly entertainment upgrade. Apple AirPods 4 – Manufactured in China; loaded with features like noise cancellation and 'conversation awareness.'
– Manufactured in China; loaded with features like noise cancellation and 'conversation awareness.' Apple iPad – Stunning Retina display and reliable performance.
– Stunning Retina display and reliable performance. Apple MacBook Air – Great for work or play, seamlessly connects with other Apple devices. Barbie Gymnastics Playset (Mattel) – Potential price hike from global manufacturing.
– Potential price hike from global manufacturing. Lego Botanical Sets – Fan favorites, with components sourced globally.
– Fan favorites, with components sourced globally. Furby (Hasbro) – Around 40% of Hasbro's U.S. sales rely on Chinese factories. Basics from Gap Inc. – Includes Old Navy and Banana Republic; all rely heavily on Asian factories.
– Includes Old Navy and Banana Republic; all rely heavily on Asian factories. Adidas Samba Sneakers – Made in Vietnam and already trending.
– Made in Vietnam and already trending. Brooks Ghost Running Shoes – Durable and versatile, assembled globally.
– Durable and versatile, assembled globally. Hoka Clifton Sneakers – Highly rated for comfort and performance. Revlon One-Step Hair Volumizer – Salon-like results at home.
– Salon-like results at home. Air Fryers – 9-in-1 models could jump in price soon.
– 9-in-1 models could jump in price soon. Tuft & Needle Mattress – On sale now — a smart buy before component costs rise.