The Ultimate Tariff Buying Guide
Worried that Trump’s policies might make stuff more expensive? Here’s what to purchase right now, what to skip and what’s a maybe.
Illustration: Andy Rementer
From air-conditioned suburban malls to conspicuous consumption and the promise of free shipping, shopping is practically an American pastime — especially when there’s a deal to be had. So with President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement and the prospect of imminent higher prices across the board, it’s no surprise that people were busting out their credit cards and panic-buying; in March, retail sales increased 1.4%, the most in two years.
Feeding the financial anxiety are headlines about companies urging shoppers to “buy before it’s too late” — not to mention that shelves could be sitting empty, a recession could be coming, and holidays are already looking dire. And, yes, there’s no denying many goods will become more expensive. Incoming cargo shipments have already plummeted and less inventory means more consumer competition, leading to price hikes.