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12 Items Worth Buying Before Trump's Tariffs Hit This Weekend

Tariffs mean higher prices for consumers. Find out what to buy ahead of impending increases.

woman calculating bills at home
Updated July 8, 2025
Fact checked

As President Donald Trump continues to place tariffs on goods imported from other countries, the administration confirmed yesterday that a baseline 10% tariff would be placed on all foreign imports outside of Canada and Mexico, set to go into effect on Saturday. The specific magnitude of increase will vary by product and region. 

As Americans, many of the goods we consume are produced elsewhere. That means tariffs will lead to higher prices for impacted items, such as select grocery products, cars, electronics, and more. 

While the price hike will impact everyone, low-income households will be affected the most, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Lower-earning households will likely face a 4% drop in disposable income, whereas higher-earning households will face a 1.6% decrease in the face of all tariffs this year. 

Here are a few of the things that will increase in price as Trump's tariffs go into effect. Buying these items now might help you save money on essentials before they likely skyrocket in price later. 

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What are tariffs?

thanapun/Adobe american and chinese trading containers taxation concept

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

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.

Grocery items

sola_sola/Adobe fresh sliced avocado on wooden table

Grocery prices are expected to rise on imported items such as avocados, melons, citrus fruits, dairy products, nuts, cocoa, vegetable oils and fats, pork, fish, poultry, and vegetables like corn. 

Most of these items 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 soon.

Cars

Photographee.eu/Adobe luxury cars at car dealership

On Wednesday, Trump's 25% price hike on vehicles and car parts took effect, pushing costs higher for cars across the industry.

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

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Textiles, furniture, and toys

FotoAndalucia/Adobe woman shopping for furniture at store

Many Americans buy textiles, furniture, and toys from overseas, which means these big-ticket items are seeing a higher price tag during the administration.

Laptops and tablets

evening_tao/Adobe laptops for sale

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

According to a report from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), these prices could rise by 46%. 

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

Video game consoles

wachiwit/Adobe nintendo switch box

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 is facing some of the highest tariffs.

If you were planning on an upgrade in the near future, accelerating that timeline could help you lock in savings.

Tools

Andrey Popov/Adobe power tools on wooden desk

Home improvement items, including tools, are often imported from China. As tariffs are placed on Chinese goods, many tools will see a spike in prices.

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

Smartphones

Deyan Georgiev/Adobe Smartphones on shelf

Like other electronics, smartphones are mostly manufactured in other countries. As blanket tariffs are applied, smartphones are seeing a stark price increase.

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.

Solar panels

diyanadimitrova/Adobe solar panel on red roof

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

Although this technology could help you save money on your energy bill, you might not be able to stomach the upfront cost as new tariffs push costs significantly higher.

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E-bikes

Patrizia Tilly/Adobe Girl with e-bike

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.

Alcohol

sirylok/Adobe tequila gin and rum alcohol

Products like tequila, Modelo beer, Canadian whisky, and mezcal are imported. As such, tariffs will increase the cost of a bottle.

It could be a good idea to stock up on your favorites now to drown your sorrows over higher prices later.

Bottom line

pavel1964/Adobe Man driving shopping cart

Trump's tariffs are leading to higher prices for many imported goods you rely on. 

As you weigh purchases, consider the possible impending impact of tariffs. For example, 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 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.

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