As US President Donald Trump‘s latest round of broad taxes edges closer to taking influence, American families are racing to stock up on daily essentials — from fruits and toothbrush to electronics and even building materials — before prices start to walk.
Trump’s proposed charges, announced Wednesday, add another level to an escalating trade conflict that is already straining world markets and stirring customer stress. With the new levies targeting almost all major US trading partners, regular products imported from abroad are about to get more expensive — and quickly.
What are the things getting affected?
Customers are flocking to shops and electrical outlets, hoping to buy back of what academics warn could be a protracted period of price inflation. Consumable goods like fruit, vegetables, and dairy items are likely to be hit first, with supermarkets needing to replenish inventory more often.
But the impact doesn’t stop at the produce aisle. Electronics, clothing, footwear, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals — much of it imported — are all expected to carry higher price tags in the weeks to come.
” Annual losses for households at the bottom of the income distribution are estimated to be$ 980 under the April 2 policy alone”, said to John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecom and fraud at National Consumers League
What’s flying off shelves?
Among the first to see a sales surge are:
- Fresh produce and pantry staples
- Consumer electronics like smartphones and laptops
- Clothing and footwear, especially imported brands
- Auto parts and vehicle maintenance supplies
- Building materials, as prospective homeowners try to avoid projected increases of over$ 9, 000 per new home.
How can consumers prepare?
Experts advise strategic — not panicked — stockpiling. Buying extra of regularly-used, non-perishable items makes sense, but hoarding is discouraged.
” If you do plan stock up on consumables, make sure you have a plan on how to store them properly so you don’t end up having to throw out that 20-pound bag of shrimp, for example, in a few weeks”, said Breyault, as quoted by AP.
Trump administration imposed a 10 % tariff on all US imports, and it is set to go into effect this Saturday, with even higher duties slated for implementation on April 9.
