Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up on Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart?
Written by
Rafaela Stalbalk Klose
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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With Trump’s tariffs expected to cost the average American household over $1,200 a year — according to The Peterson Institute for International Economics, savvy consumers are already stocking up on essentials to dodge future price hikes. Prices are spiking on everything from daily necessities like coffee and cheese to fancy seafood dinners.
But beyond the obvious imports like Mexican avocados and Chinese-made iPhones, what are some of the less expected products people are grabbing before tariffs drive prices even higher?
Korean Skincare Products
Korean skincare might not seem like a big deal in the tariff talk, but it’s one of those things that could quietly get a lot more expensive. CBS reported that people are already grabbing extras while prices are still decent. These products are known for doing the job without the high-end price tag. They’ve got unique ingredients and formulas that are tough to replace, which is why so many stick to what works. Most of it lasts a long time if sealed, so it’s not a bad idea to grab a backup or two. Brands like Cosrx, Laneige and Beauty of Joseon might not stay in the “affordable” section for much longer.
Is It Worth It?
Yeah, it actually kind of is. These are products people use every day, they don’t go bad quickly and finding a solid replacement isn’t always easy. If prices jump, there might be some regret about not grabbing an extra bottle while it was still affordable. It’s a simple move that could save money and keep the skincare routine running smoothly.
Pet Food
With rising prices on imported ingredients as well as on tinplate steel used in packaging, cat and dog lovers may soon have to pay more for their pet food, according to PetFoodIndustry.com. A lot of the ingredients — like fish, grains and vitamins–come from overseas, even if the food is made locally. When tariffs hit, prices can climb quickly. For pets on a special diet, switching brands isn’t always easy. Allergies and sensitive stomachs can make changes tough, so pet owners are stocking up while prices are still steady. Pet food also has a long shelf life, so grabbing a little extra now isn’t a waste. If there’s a dog or cat at home, it’ll definitely get used.
Is It Worth It?
Pet food is a staple that gets used often and has a long shelf life, making it smart to stock up now. Doing so can save money down the road. If prices rise, there might be some regret for not grabbing a few extra bags while they were still affordable. It’s an easy way to avoid higher costs and keep pets happy. It might not be the most exciting prep, but it could end up being one of the smartest. No one wants to deal with higher prices or an unhappy pet down the road.
Solar Panels
China dominates the global solar panel production and the U.S. still relies heavily on these imports despite current tariffs. Raising the tariffs to Trump’s suggested 145% on Chinese products, would dramatically affect homeowners and businesses. For the solar sector in the U.S., the effect would mean higher prices for installations and slowing down the transition to clean energy. Homeowners across the U.S. are already racing to invest in solar panel installations ahead of the proposed tariffs.
Is It Worth It?
China dominates global solar panel production and the U.S. still relies heavily on imports, despite existing tariffs. If tariffs rise to 145% as proposed, installation costs could skyrocket, slowing the transition to clean energy. Many homeowners are already rushing to invest in solar panels before the tariffs take effect. Investing now may save money in the short term, but long-term benefits depend on how tariffs and the industry evolve.
Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s denim — one of the most iconic American products — will most probably see a price increase. Despite their strong association with U.S. culture, many Levi’s jeans are produced in Asian factories, making them subject to higher costs under the new tariff policies. With the potential for tariffs to raise costs, many consumers are stocking up now to avoid paying higher prices down the line. The increasing tariffs on imports, including clothing, could impact Levi’s manufacturing costs, resulting in price hikes for their denim.
Is It Worth It?
For those who value long-lasting, quality pieces, buying now may be a smart move to lock in lower prices before they increase. Given the durability of Levi’s jeans, it could be a worthwhile investment — especially for fans of this iconic American brand.
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