5 Items to Buy Now Before U.S. Tariffs Take Effect on August 1
Starting August 1, 2025, a new wave of tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump is set to take effect, potentially increasing prices on a wide range of consumer goods.
While the administration has called the rollout “Liberation Day”, many economists warn that American shoppers—not foreign exporters—will likely bear the financial burden.
Tariffs are essentially import taxes paid by U.S. companies when they bring goods into the country, which often leads to higher retail prices for everyday consumers.
With only a short window left before the new pricing kicks in, here are five categories of items experts say are worth purchasing sooner rather than later:
🖥️ 1. Tech Devices: Laptops, Phones & TVs
Even though not all electronics are directly named in the final tariff list, uncertainty in the tech sector could lead retailers to raise prices preemptively.
According to Forbes, buying items like laptops, smartphones, and televisions before August 1 could save you money—especially on higher-end models.
“To avoid future pricing risks, consumers may want to make major tech purchases now,” the publication advises.
🛋️ 2. Furniture
A report from the Alliance for American Manufacturing states that over 75% of furniture sold in the U.S. is imported, meaning tariffs will likely impact prices on sofas, dining tables, desks, and bedroom sets.
If you’re planning to furnish a home or office, this may be the best time to act.
👖 3. Textiles & Apparel
Clothing and home textiles are also on the watchlist. Expect potential price increases on:
Men’s and women’s clothing
Crossbody and tote bags
Bath towels and bedding
The fashion and home goods industries rely heavily on global supply chains, making them particularly vulnerable to international trade policies.
🛒 4. Food & Groceries
This one may hit the hardest. The U.S. imported over $45 billion in food and agricultural products from Mexico in 2023.
With new tariffs, food prices—especially produce, packaged snacks, and pantry staples—could increase.
While you can’t stock up on fresh produce for months, pantry essentials like rice, canned goods, and oils might be worth buying in bulk now.
🧊 5. Home Appliances
Steel tariffs have already affected appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
The upcoming round of tariffs may push those prices even higher.
If you’ve been considering a major upgrade, shopping before August 1 might mean hundreds of dollars in savings.
✅ What You Can Do Now
Compare prices at different retailers this month.
Look for pre-tariff sales and promotions.
Prioritize larger purchases that may become significantly more expensive.
Share this info with others who might be affected.
💬 The Bottom Line
While there’s still a chance of delay or extension, as officials note, it’s safer not to wait.
Tariffs often impact consumer prices indirectly—but significantly—over time. If you’ve been thinking about making any big purchases, now may be the best time to do it.
📢 SHARE this article with friends and family so they can stay one step ahead before prices go up.
