‘Everything Will Go Through the Roof’: Shoppers Rush to Beat Trump Tariff Hikes
By Jake Beardslee ·
January 12, 2025
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in just over a week, many Americans are rushing to purchase foreign-made goods before his proposed tariffs on imports take effect. These tariffs are expected to cause significant price increases across a range of products, prompting consumers to move up their timelines for major purchases. Retail giants like Walmart have already warned that any new tariffs would translate into higher prices for customers, further fueling consumer anxiety. Tumisu / Pixabay
The proposed tariffs include a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China. Analysts have pointed out that these measures could lead to steep price hikes on popular consumer electronics such as smartphones, video game consoles, and laptops, with some estimates suggesting smartphones could become as much as $213 more expensive per device. Zana Latif / Pexels
Household appliances are also expected to become significantly more costly, with the National Retail Federation predicting that Americans may collectively spend an additional $6.4 billion to $10.9 billion on these items if the tariffs are enacted. AS Photography / Pexels
For many consumers, these potential price increases are creating an urgent need to act. Jen Thomas, a West Virginia resident, told The Guardian her partner is already stockpiling materials for a new roof they had planned to install in the spring. “While the rush of a second Trump presidency is still exciting for many West Virginians, my partner and I are neither excited nor optimistic about the next four years,” Thomas explained. Keith / Pexels
Others are making smaller, yet still impactful, adjustments to their purchasing habits. In Wisconsin, Liza Gilbert told the outlet that she decided to buy a new washer and dryer after delaying the purchase due to medical bills. “It will be even harder to afford in January,” she remarked. RDNE Stock project / Pexels
The tariffs would likely have a broad impact on everyday necessities, including groceries. The United States relies heavily on imports of produce from Mexico, meaning grocery prices could rise significantly. Virginia resident Carol Lee Wood told The Guardian that she has begun stockpiling staples such as rice, beans, powdered milk, and freeze-dried produce in anticipation of price surges. “Everything will go through the roof when [Trump] takes office,” Wood said. “I wish I could stockpile gasoline and avocados!” Erik Scheel / Pexels
Businesses are also expressing concerns about the economic ramifications of these tariffs. Columbia Sportswear CEO Timothy Boyle cautioned in December that the policy might fail to achieve its intended goal of bringing manufacturing back to the United States. Instead, he argued, it would increase the financial burden on consumers. “The costs are going to be passed on to the consumer just the way they are today,” Boyle noted. He emphasized that relocating production back to the U.S. is not a realistic option for many companies under current conditions. Engin Akyurt / Pexels
Trump’s tariffs have sparked heated debates about their potential to stimulate domestic manufacturing versus their likelihood of driving up costs for consumers and businesses alike. As Americans prepare for the economic shifts on the horizon, many are taking proactive steps to shield themselves from the financial impact, but the uncertainty looms large. JASON BEAN/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
