Concerned About Tariffs? What Experts Say You Should Buy Now

There's a good chance that shopping for your essential items is about to get more expensive.

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Last month, President Donald Trump introduced a baseline 10% tariff rate on imports from other countries. He also announced a 125% rate (on top of the existing 20% tariff) on imports from China. This was recently temporarily lowered to 30% for 90 days, while trade talks between China and the U.S. continue.

While it's still pretty early and we have yet to discover the full impact of these tariffs, brands have already begun to feel the effects, with companies like Walmart and Procter & Gamble, as well as some Amazon sellers, already either announcing increases or raising prices.

Below, we spoke with experts to answer all of your questions about the products that are likely to be the most impacted — and what might be worth grabbing now.

What are tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes that an entity must pay when its goods are imported into a foreign country, says Jason Miller, a professor and interim chairperson of the department of supply chain management at Michigan State University. "Tariffs are paid based on the customs value of the imported goods."

How will the tariffs affect prices?

There's still a lot of uncertainty as to what the tariffs may look like going forward. It was originally announced that there would be higher "reciprocal" tariffs on goods imported from a number of nations, but those are currently on a 90-day pause as negotiations take place. However, the 30% tariff on imports from China is currently being implemented. A 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports was also just announced.

The higher tariffs on China are concerning because the country is responsible for a large share of imports to the U.S., which Miller says includes small electronics like microwaves, mixers, blenders, curling irons, light fixtures, among other tech items, as well as toys and baby strollers and plenty more products.

With the higher price of importing these items, two main scenarios are possible: The companies that are importing the goods will cover the additional costs, completely or to an extent, or it will fall to the consumer.

"Ultimately, people are in business to make money," says shopping expert Trae Bodge. "And so what we think will happen, in most cases, is that that additional cost will filter down to the customer, which is why everyone is so concerned."

How much these tariffs might affect the prices of everyday items depends on a number of factors, which Miller explains include the margins made by exporters, importers and final sellers, the availability of alternative sourcing locations, as well as the size of the tariff.

For example, Miller shared with us that the previous 145% China tariffs on small electrical appliances like microwave ovens and hair dryers or on baby strollers was likely to double (or nearly double) the prices of these items, simply because of their size.

What products are affected by tariffs?

Unfortunately, most products will likely be impacted.

"It’s so broad right now," Bodge says. "What I’m hearing are the most problematic categories are things like electronics, and that includes everything from laptops to home appliances, and then clothing, shoes, toys, food — and that bleeds into wine, coffee — and also cars."

While buying from American brands may help you avoid some additional costs, it's not always so clear-cut. "Things are made with multiple parts and many parts are made in other countries. And those parts, we are not set up to make here," she shares.

What should you buy now?

Hearing all this might lead you to immediately start filling up your cart with your favorite products and big purchases. But before you do that, take a breath. Bodge says it's not the time to "panic-buy."

Instead, think about the things that you might need in the coming months — things that need to be replaced, gifts you may need to give. Bodge says that if you are going to buy anything right now, it should be "bigger ticket" items, but only the ones you really need. For example, she has been thinking about getting a new mattress for her daughter’s room, so she’s planning on doing it over Memorial Day weekend when there might be some sales.

Many of the things mentioned before, like small electronics and baby items, which are made in China are expected to increase in price.

So if you're thinking about buying those birthday gifts now, replacing some of your well-loved items or have had your eye on some new tech, here are the items to consider buying before potential price increases.

Best tech to buy before tariffs

With TVs potentially rising in price, it may not be the right time to purchase a new one. However, you can still upgrade your setup for an affordable price with this Fire TV Stick. It has more than 14,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, with people saying that it's easy to set up and operate.

Apple does not have mass production in the U.S. and most of its products are manufactured in China, India and Vietnam. The brand's AirPods 4 are an editor favorite, thanks to the noise cancellation features and high-quality sound.

"My absolute favorite setting that these AirPods offer is conversation awareness, which lowers the volume of the media that you’re listening to when it detects that you’re speaking with someone," shares social associate editor Dani Musacchio. "Gone are the days of having to awkwardly shuffle to remove your AirPods from your ears to hear the person you’re talking to."

Nintendo's new Switch 2 is set to be released on June 5 and shoppers were able to start preordering the device on April 24. Nintendo shared in a statement that it will remain at its previously announced price of $449.99. However, there have already been some price changes to the accessories due to market changes. Additionally, Nintendo shared that adjustments "to the price of any Nintendo product" are possible in the future.

That being said, if there are any Nintendo items on your list, you might want to add them to your cart now. This compact, lightweight version of the brand's popular device currently retails for under $200 and allows you to play all your favorite games, no matter where you are.

If you've been using an outdated tablet and have been thinking about upgrading, consider grabbing Apple's most recent model while it's on sale. According to the brand, it has a Liquid Retina display, which features True Tone to automatically adjust the display to suit the color temperature of the room, so you can stream movies and TV shows in any light. You can also set it up with Touch ID for additional security.

Senior editor Jess Bender is planning to replace her 10-year-old MacBook before any potential price increases. This new version of the Apple MacBook Air is said to feature a powerful processing chip that allows for speedy streaming, surfing, gaming and more.

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According to the brand, the Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors, so pictures and videos show up vivid and bright. It fits into the Apple ecosystem, so if you connect your iPhone, you can answer texts and calls, mirror your screen and more.

Best toys to buy before tariffs

Execs from Mattel (which manufactures toys in countries like Mexico, Malaysia and China) have previously shared that there may be potential price increases to its toys, which include Barbie and Hot Wheels.

This playset is a bestseller and comes with all the accessories they need to help Barbie nail her gymnastics routine.

Lego has manufacturing and production facilities in a number of countries, including China, Mexico and Denmark, and the company just opened a new Vietnam factory this year.

Many members of our team are fans of the brand's sets, particularly its adult-friendly floral options. Bender spent an afternoon putting this set together with her boyfriend and said that the results were "breathtaking." "Despite the 770+ pieces it came with, it felt pretty easy to tackle over the span of a few hours thanks to the clear directions and separate brick baggies that it came with," she shared.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Chris Cocks, the chief executive of Hasbro, has shared that the company may need to consider raising prices on certain products if the tariffs hold. (Around 40% of its U.S. sales come from China.) The company's brands range from popular options like Nerf, Furby, Baby Alive and more.

That means that this cute, classic toy could be getting more expensive in the future. It has plenty of interactive features, including English and Furbish responses, dance moves and lights.

Best apparel to buy before tariffs

Gap Inc., which includes Gap, along with sister brands Old Navy, Athleta and Banana Republic, has factories in China, Vietnam, India and Indonesia, among other countries.

This shirt is the perfect everyday essential that you can easily style with your favorite jeans or skirt.

The already-expensive sneaker industry is likely to be impacted, as many popular brands manufacture their shoes in other countries. For example, Adidas sources most of its footwear from Vietnam, as well as China and Indonesia.

Its Samba shoes are a popular option, as they fit the slim sneaker trend that's everywhere right now. Production coordinator Camryn Privette has owned hers for a year and still swears by them. "Since I walk over an average of 8,000 steps a day, I need shoes that not only walk the walk but talk the talk. And after countless wears, these definitely deliver!"

While Brooks does some of its final assembly and material and component manufacturing in the U.S., it also works with factories across Asia and North and Central America, including Vietnam, China, El Salvador, Taiwan and more.

Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy has run multiple races, including marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks and even some triathlons in Brooks' Ghost sneakers. "While these shoes have joined me for thousands of miles on runs and walks, they aren’t only for pacing. They have also made appearances in HIIT and boot camp-style workout classes. Whether I’m toeing the start line of a marathon or strolling through Central Park on a lazy Sunday morning, these are the shoes I always reach for."

I've been a fan of Hoka's sneakers for a long time — and I recently compared the brand's popular Clifton sneakers to a bestselling pair from Asics and these shoes were my clear favorite.

They provide shock absorption and cushioning with each step, making them a great choice for walks, runs and even casual errands. They have a MetaRocker, so steps feel smooth and natural and you transition from your heel to your toe.

Best home items to buy before tariffs

Both experts emphasized the fact that home appliances would likely be heavily impacted by the tariffs, so if you have a kitchen gadget or a larger machine, like a dishwasher or washing machine that's on its way out, this would be a good time to replace it.

Air fryers have become a popular choice for those hoping to make their favorite snacks or crispy bites using less oil. This 9-in-1 device is designed to roast, air fry, bake and dehydrate all kinds of foods.

Tuft & Needle is currently having a spring sale, allowing you to save on a new mattress right now. This one is a favorite of commerce writer Danielle Murphy.

“I’ve had this mattress for maybe six years, and it’s still so incredibly comfortable. It’s made with a cozy adaptive foam, which is meant to accommodate back and stomach sleepers (I fall into the latter category)," she says. "I convinced my sister and her husband to order one, and they love it too.”

Will toilet paper be affected by the tariffs?

It's not just the large items that might be affected by these tariffs, smaller household essentials could be as well. With potential increased costs on wood, bamboo, shea butter and more, things like toilet paper, diapers, lotion and shampoo may go up in price, CNBC previously reported.

However, Bodge stresses that filling your cart in a panic is not a good strategy. "The cost of your toilet paper might go up 30 cents, it's exponential. I just don’t think it’s worth going to Costco and buying 36 rolls, unless you have a big family and you would normally do that anyway," she says. "A lot of Americans are on a very tight budget, so these conversations around panic-buying really concern me. Because if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you can’t rush out and fill your car at Costco, it’s a big hit on your monthly budget."

Is Walmart affected by tariffs?

Earlier this month, Walmart's Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told CNBC that the retailer would likely start increasing prices later in May due to the tariffs, adding that there may be increases in June. As for the reasoning behind the move, he shared that the tariffs are “still too high,” even as the tariffs on imports from China dropped to 30%.

Will Apple products be affected by tariffs?

While Apple has not said anything specific yet about price increases, on a recent quarterly earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook estimated that the tariffs will add $900 million to Apple’s costs this quarter. However, this call took place when the 145% tariff on imports from China was in place.

How we chose

We spoke with financial and shopping experts about the items that they expect may be impacted by tariffs. We used their guidance to highlight the expert-approved or top-rated items that may be worth buying before any potential price increases.

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