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With looming tariffs dominating the daily news cycle, shoppers are bracing for a hit to their wallets. Experts predict price hikes across a wide range of products, with certain categories bearing the brunt of the changes.
According to research by the nonpartisan tax policy nonprofit The Tax Foundation, the Trump administration’s tariffs will result in “an average tax increase of $1,243 per US household in 2025. Our estimates of reductions in after-tax income may understate the harm to consumers by loss of choice as tariffs reach prohibitive rates.”
From luxury goods to everyday electronics, here’s what to expect — and what’s worth buying now before prices rise. Plus, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals (or pre-tariff prices) to shop online on items that experts say are likely to be affected.
What Will (Probably) Go Up
Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, notes that consumers can expect to see higher prices across several essential categories. “We’re looking at increases in clothing, shoes, toys, food, tech, appliances, wine, coffee and cars,” she says. This is due to disruptions in global supply chains, especially in countries like China and those in Southeast Asia.
Jon Knotts, Chief Investment Officer at the wealth consulting firm Expressive Wealth, also identifies products with significant international sourcing as the most vulnerable. “Electronics, cars, appliances, clothing and consumer goods are all tied to global supply chains,” Knotts explains. “Anything from phones to furniture and luxury goods is likely to see an increase in prices.”
Expect price hikes on categories like:
- Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, TVs, medical devices and batteries will rise in price as many of these products rely on parts from Asia.
- Cars: Brands like Tesla, Toyota and BMW, which depend on imported components and electronics, will see costs increase.
- Steel and Aluminum-Based Goods: Expect prices to go up on appliances and construction materials from brands like GE and Whirlpool.
Additionally, luxury goods from Europe, such as designer bags and imported wines, will see a sharp uptick in price. Knotts highlights that European brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are particularly vulnerable due to the high import duties.
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What’s Worth Buying Now
So should you rush out to make purchases before prices change? Maybe. Bodge suggests focusing your priority shopping on big-ticket items, especially on things you use every day. “If you know you’ll need an appliance, phone or car soon, now might be the time to make a purchase,” she advises.
Knotts echoes this sentiment, recommending prioritizing electronics and vehicles that rely on international parts. “Look at items that have a global sourcing footprint, like phones, TVs and major home appliances. Imported furniture and vehicles will also be more expensive.”
Both experts agree that luxury items will be disproportionately affected by the tariffs.
According to Knotts, “Luxury goods — whether designer handbags from Louis Vuitton or high-end cars from Porsche — are extremely vulnerable. These items often cross multiple borders before they reach consumers, and brands are unlikely to absorb the tariff increases.”
Bodge echoes the sentiment, noting that European goods, particularly wines, cheeses and olive oil, will see price hikes. “Specialty foods like French wine and Italian olive oil will be pricier as well,” she adds.
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Still, while some goods are worth purchasing now, both experts caution against panic-buying and advise waiting on certain non-essentials. “I wouldn’t rush out to buy luxury goods or discretionary items like fashion,” Bodge advises. “Those are often the first to go on sale when tariffs are introduced, and you can wait for better prices.”
Knotts agrees, suggesting that consumers avoid impulse buys driven by fear of price hikes. “You don’t want to rush into buying something unless it’s truly necessary,” he cautions.
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What (Probably) Won’t Change
Some categories will be less impacted by tariffs. Knotts highlights U.S.-made goods as a stable alternative. “Products with strong U.S. manufacturing, such as certain tools and home essentials, should remain unaffected,” he explains. “Tariff costs won’t apply to services, so subscriptions to platforms like Netflix or software programs will likely stay the same.”
Beyond that, overstocked items (last season’s goods or older models) may even offer savings as companies look to clear their inventory before new tariffs take effect.
With prices on imports set to go up, both Bodge and Knotts recommend shopping strategically.
Bodge suggests using deal sites and taking advantage of sales like Memorial Day and seasonal discounts.
Knotts also advises strategic shopping — and warns against panic-buying. “Stay rational and proactive. Focus on purchasing the items you truly need, and try to extend the life of products you already own by repairing them instead of replacing them,” he says.