12 Things to Buy Before Trump Tariffs Increase Prices

President-elect Donald Trump has talked about placing tariffs on goods imported from other countries. As Americans, many of the goods we consume are produced elsewhere. That means tariffs could lead to higher prices for the impacted items.

Here are a few of the things that might increase in price if Trump's proposed tariffs go into effect. Buying these items now might help you save money on essentials if the price of these goods later increases due to tariffs.

Tariffs are taxes on goods imported from other countries. Generally, tariffs are instituted to protect domestic industry. But the tax can push the price of particular goods higher.

On the campaign trail, Trump indicated his intentions to increase tariffs, particularly against China. He has also talked about imposing tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico.

It's possible these tariffs will increase the cost of some consumer goods, which could make now a good time to stock up, before the tariffs are in place. However, it's unclear if or when the proposed tariffs would go into effect.

It's worth pointing out that stocking up only makes sense if you have room in your budget to do so without causing financial strain. If you have to go into debt or push your budget to the limit to stock up, it's probably a good idea to skip the purchase.

In fact, it makes more sense to try to get out of debt than to stock up on goods. But if you have the extra cash, here are some items you might want to buy sooner rather than later.

The vast majority of avocados Americans consume come from another country, with most imported avocados coming from Mexico.

If Trump institutes tariffs on Mexican imports, it's likely the cost of avocados will rise at the grocery store.

Avocados are perishable, of course. So, while you cannot stock up on them for the long haul, you can enjoy them now at what might be a lower price than what you will pay later.

Many shoes and clothing items are manufactured in another country. If tariffs are levied on imports, it's likely the cost of clothing and shoes will rise.

Additionally, other accessories — such as purses and jewelry — may see an increasing cost.

If you are planning to replace a major household appliance — like a refrigerator — in the near future, pushing up your purchase date might be a good idea.

Trump's proposed tariffs could increase the cost of household appliances by around 20%, according to an analysis by the National Retail Federation.

Many Americans buy furniture from overseas, which means these big-ticket items could see a higher price tag during the upcoming administration.

According to a report by the National Retail Federation, these costs could increase by a little more than 6%.

Laptops, tablets, and other electronics are generally manufactured elsewhere. Tariffs on these already expensive items could mean paying more for the tech you need.

In fact, Ed Brzytwa — vice president of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association — told CNN the cost could rise by hundreds of extra dollars for these items.

For those with a laptop on the fritz, it might be time to bite the bullet on this purchase.

Many vehicles are manufactured in other countries. Even vehicles assembled in the U.S. may rely on imported car parts, which means tariffs could push costs higher for cars across the industry.

Since vehicles already cost thousands of dollars, even modest tariffs could lead to drivers paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more for a ride.

Most video game consoles are manufactured overseas, which means tariffs could push prices much higher. That's especially true for gaming systems because many are manufactured in China, which may face the highest tariffs.

Brzytwa told the Huffington Post that the cost of such goods could increase by 40%. If you were planning on an upgrade in the near future, accelerating that timeline could help you lock in savings.

Home improvement items, including tools, are often imported from China. If steep tariffs are placed on Chinese goods, tools may see a spike in prices.

For anyone who needs to stock up their toolbox, now might be a good time to do it.

Like other electronics, smartphones are mostly manufactured in other countries. If blanket tariffs are applied, smartphones might see a price increase of around 26%, Brzytwa says.

Although this doesn't necessarily mean you need to jump to the latest model, it could make now a good time for people to replace a phone that is on its way out.

Most solar panels are manufactured overseas, so tariffs could make them more expensive.

Although these helpful tools could help you save money on your energy bill, you might not be able to stomach the upfront cost if new tariffs push costs significantly higher.

E-bikes already cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. But most are manufactured elsewhere, including China.

That puts these items at risk of a major price increase in an era of new tariffs.

Tequila is usually made in Mexico. As an imported liquor, tariffs might increase the cost of a bottle significantly.

For tequila fans, it could be a good idea to stock up on your favorites now so you can drown your sorrows over higher prices later.

Trump's proposed tariffs could lead to higher prices for many imported goods you rely on. While these tariffs could push prices higher, it's unclear when they will actually go into effect.

As you weigh purchases, consider the possible future impact of tariffs. For example, proposed tariffs might be a good reason to upgrade your phone a bit ahead of schedule.

However, only make the purchase if your finances are in good shape. Buying items ahead of possible tariffs might help you eliminate some money stress. But if you aren't ready to make the purchase, it could backfire and actually increase your financial woes.