What to buy before tariffs cause major price hikes, according to shopping experts

NBC News

2 days ago

It's now nearly impossible to avoid tariff-related price hikes while shopping. A universal 10% tariff on all countries is officially in effect, and many U.S. trading partners could face higher reciprocal tariffs after a 90-day pause ends in early July. We don't know what the exact impacts of these tariffs will be, but one thing is for sure: almost everything you buy is getting more expensive, says Dr. Ross Steinman, a professor of consumer psychology at Widener University.
Brands are already raising prices in response to tariffs, and since the trade war is expected to heat up this summer, don't be surprised if you start seeing more companies announce hikes. Below, I talked to experts about what they recommend buying before that happens. They also responded to frequently asked questions about tariffs and shared tips for saving money.
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What to buy as tariff-related price hikes roll out
Tariffs only apply to imported goods, so prices on products currently in U.S. warehouses probably won't shoot up dramatically just yet. That said, brands are already alerting customers about increases within the next few months, so now is the best time to buy anything on your wishlist or that you've been saving up for. Vipin Porwal, the CEO and a consumer savings expert at Smarty, says it's crucial to focus on costly items produced abroad, including tech, appliances, furniture and cars, as well as clothing, shoes and groceries.
Also, remember that even if a product is manufactured in the U.S., tariffs are causing companies to face increased production costs. They often import materials like fabric, batteries and microchips from foreign countries, so expect increased prices on domestically made goods, too.
Below, I rounded up examples of products you should consider buying before more tariff-related price hikes roll out. They're all NBC Select staff picks and manufactured in countries subject to universal tariffs, some of which, like those part of the European Union, could soon face higher reciprocal tariffs. China is already subject to a higher tariff rate.
Experts don't recommend panic buying, but consider stocking up on non-perishable products you use every day and frequently re-buy, like cleaning supplies, paper goods and pantry staples. Shoppers will see increased prices across Procter & Gamble products, including Tide laundry detergent, by July, according to a statement by the company's CEO during a recent earnings call. These pods, which have a color protector, odor fighter and stain remover inside. They dissolve quickly in cool or warm water, according to the brand.
Procter & Gamble also owns Bounty, which sells paper goods you may rely on daily, like these paper towels. They're absorbent so you can quickly soak up messes, and rolls come pre-measured, letting you tear off small or large sheets.
I reach for extra-virgin olive oil daily while cooking, so before tariffs increase the price of my favorite European varieties, I'm buying a couple of bottles. Kosterina harvests Koroneiki olives in Greece to make this buttery, peppery EVOO. I use it for sauteing and roasting, as well as to make dressings and marinades.
Technology
NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz, who tested Apple's AirPods 4 for two months, says they're a small, comfortable pair you can rely on daily. 'These are the best earbuds for anyone who hates the feeling of rubber eartips clogging their eardrums,' he says. 'They also have new features like dust and water resistance, and adaptive audio, which automatically switches between noise cancellation modes.'
The JBL Clip 5 is our team's go-to Bluetooth speaker — the audio quality is impressive for the device's size, and it's built-in carabiner clip lets you attach it to bags, bikes, beach umbrellas, bathroom towel rods and more. You can use the speaker for up to 12 hours before needing to recharge it, according to the brand. The Clip 5 is also dust- and water-resistant.
If you're in the market for a portable charger, Anker sells some of the best. The Zolo Power Bank has a built-in USB-C cable that plugs directly into devices, as well as additional USB-A and USB-C ports. It's small enough to fit in your pocket.
Nintendo is releasing the Switch 2 on June 5 and it costs $449.99 — the company is maintaining the pricing on its handheld gaming console and did not mention plans to increase the price after that. The original Switch is beloved among the NBC Select staff, and if it's on your wishlist and in your budget right now, we recommend buying it — the device could increase in price at any point. The Nintendo Switch has two detachable Joy-Con controllers and three play modes: TV, handheld and tabletop. It's also designed with built-in motion controls that immerse you in games.
Rabinowitz says the Pixel Watch 3, which recently won an NBC Select Wellness Award, is Google's best smartwatch yet, although it's only compatible with Android phones (which are also likely to increase in price soon). It has built-in fitness tracking features, including automatically logging workouts and building custom runs. The water-resistant watch has a 24-hour battery life, according to the brand, and collects data about your sleep.
Almost everyone on our team has a Camp Snap digital camera. If you want to get your hands on one before potential price increases and shipping delays, order now. The screen-free digital camera has a rechargeable battery and built-in LED flash. It comes with a cable that lets you connect the camera to your phone or computer to download photos.
Clothes and shoes
This Gap T-Shirt is made in India, but the brand makes and sources products from across the world.
'I've been wearing a pair of Levi's 501's for over 6 years now,' says NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman. 'I love the classic, straight fit because it works for almost every outfit, and the cut is honestly timeless. There's a reason these are one of most iconic pairs of denim of all time.' This pair of 501s is available in men's and women's sizes.
Adidas will eventually raise prices on its U.S. products, according to the brand, which did not disclose how much increases may be or what items will be affected. These are some of Adidas' most classic sneakers, available in men's and women's sizes. The Samba has a leather upper, synthetic fabric lining and grippy rubber outsole.
Birkenstock plans to raise prices globally to offset tariffs at some point between July and September. The brand's Arizona slip-on sandal has two adjustable straps and a cork footbed. There's also a deep heel cup to keep your foot secure, as well as a raised toe bar to encourage the natural gripping motion of your feet, according to the brand.
During a recent earnings call, Under Armour shared that it's increasing prices on its apparel, shoes and accessories. We've tested lots of Under Armour's athleticwear and sneakers over the years. The Charged Surge 4 is a basic shoe that's great for walkers, runners and gym goers. It has a cushioned midsole to support feet and a grippy rubber outsole to help stabilize you on various surfaces. The sneaker is also made with mesh to keep feet cool.
Mark Weldon announced that it's keeping prices the same across all products through at least July 4, according to a post on its Instagram account. The brand sells men's apparel like tops, bottoms and accessories, but it's best known for its underwear. The Airknit X Boxer Brief is made from a moisture-wicking and odor-resistant material, and its waistband and legs won't roll while you're wearing them, according to Mark Weldon.
Home and kitchen
Prepare for the warm weather by adding cooling appliances to your cart before they increase in price, like this tower fan from Dreo. It has four speeds, 90-degree oscillation and four modes, including sleep and auto.
We recommend Dyson's vacuums because they have superior suction and make cleaning all floors a breeze. If you have one on your wishlist, now is the time to buy — they're already hundreds of dollars, so potential price increases could put them out of your budget. The V8 cordless vacuum runs for about 40 minutes on a single charge, according to the brand, and converts into a handheld vacuum. It comes with a wall dock and charger, as well as accessories like a crevice tool.
A few weeks ago, Sproos notified customers via email that it planned on holding prices steady through May. Now that it's June, we're keeping a close eye on cost increases, which we haven't seen yet — that means now is the best time to invest in one of its showerheads. This set comes with a handheld fixture that has a replaceable filter and three spray modes. It comes with everything you need for installation, including steel pliers and step-by-step instructions.
Rabinowitz's favorite Ikea piece is this shelf, which he has a larger version of. 'This storage shelf has moved with me across three apartments in New York City — it's outlasted couches, mattresses, bed frames and TV stands,' he says. 'It's not going to wow anyone aesthetically, but it is extremely practical.'
Room & Board is keeping prices the same through July, according to a post on its Instagram account. The company also confirmed that its twice-yearly clearance events will still happen. Room & Board furniture, decor and lighting for all rooms of your home, including outdoor spaces like decks and patios.
Casper Original Hybrid Mattress
$1,495.00
Amazon $1,495.00
Walmart $1,495.00
Casper
What to know
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio recommends Casper's Original Hybrid Mattress if you need to upgrade soon. 'I bought this mattress in 2021 and it still feels brand new years later,' she says. 'It's semi-firm, which is perfect for my husband and I since we tend to have different preferences. I'm really picky about my mattresses because I'm a very hot sleeper, but this one manages to feel fairly cool and doesn't trap heat, in my experience.'
Combustion Predictive Thermometer (WiFi Booster & Display)
$229.00
$279.00
Combustion Inc.
Now 18% off
What to know
Once Combustion, a brand that makes WiFi-enabled cooking thermometers and accessories, sells out of its current inventory, it's raising prices across the board, according to a post on its Instagram account. You can use its Predictive Thermometer while cooking over the grill this summer, or in the oven and on the stovetop year round. This set comes with a thermometer probe and a display, which has a screen that lets you monitor what you're making in real time. The probe also connects to Combustion's app if you prefer to track progress on your phone.
Will retailers raise prices due to tariffs?
Yes, in addition to individual brands, some retailers plan to raise prices on merchandise online and in stores due to tariffs. Here are a few we know about right now:
Walmart: Walmart will roll out tariff-related price hikes this month, according to NBC News. The retailer didn't share details about what types of products will be impacted first or what the price hike rollout will look like.
Target: Target reported lower earnings in May, a sign that it will likely raise prices due to tariffs. Earlier this year, the retailer's CEO also hinted at increasing the cost of goods in categories like groceries and apparel, according to CNBC.
Best Buy: Best Buy already raised prices on some items in mid-May, but additional increases may be on the way, according to CNBC.
Costco CNBC.
Expert tips: How to save right now
Tariffs are causing many people to reevaluate their spending habits. In fact, 49% of U.S. consumers plan to buy less frequently if/when tariffs raise prices, according to Smarty. Here are a few expert tips from Porwal to help you save.
Switch to store brands, which tend to cost less, for everyday essentials like groceries, paper goods and cleaning products
Consider buying secondhand or refurbished items, especially clothing and tech.
Activate cash-back discounts while shopping
Use brands' websites, apps and cash-back extensions to bookmark items you consistently buy or have on your wishlist so you can get alerts about sales
Consider paying for larger purchases with a credit card that lets you earn points toward future rewards
Sign up for loyalty programs at retailers you frequently shop from. Memberships like Amazon Prime, Target Circle and Walmart+ often offer benefits like exclusive deals and free, fast shipping
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a reporter at NBC Select who's covered sales and deals for `five years, including topics like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To write this article, I interviewed two experts about what you should buy before brands raise prices due to tariffs, and rounded up a handful of related foreign-made goods the NBC Select staff recommends.