Americans stocking up on foreign goods before Trump tariffs: ‘a sense of urgency’

West Chester: With Trump’s second inauguration coming up, folks are feeling the heat. Many are rushing to buy foreign goods before those tariffs kick in. A recent poll showed that nearly half of Americans are planning purchases to beat the price hikes.

People are eyeing everything from electronics to household appliances. Trump’s promised tariffs could raise prices significantly, and many companies are already hinting they’ll pass those costs onto consumers. It’s a bit of a scramble out there!

Bob McMahon from West Chester shared that he and his wife are finally buying those new iPads they’ve been thinking about. They feel the urgency since prices are likely to jump. Liza Gilbert from La Crosse is also in the same boat, saying they’re getting a new washer and dryer now because it’ll be tougher to afford later.

Home renovations are also on people’s minds. Jen Thomas from West Virginia mentioned her partner is stocking up on materials for a new roof. With memories of pandemic shortages still fresh, many are also grabbing essentials like food and toilet paper.

Molly Heath from Indianapolis said she and her husband stocked up early in the pandemic and are trying to get ahead of the price hikes. But after some research, they realized it might be better to adjust their budget for the upcoming cost-of-living increase.

Others are buying non-perishables, like beans and rice, to prepare for what’s coming. Carol Lee Wood from Virginia is even wishing she could stockpile gasoline! Some are even purchasing hybrid cars, anticipating changes to electric vehicle tax credits.

Experts predict that if Trump goes through with his tariff plans, consumer prices could rise significantly, adding a hefty burden on households already feeling the pinch from inflation. Despite the concerns, Trump remains firm on his tariff plans, claiming they won’t cost Americans anything. It’s a wild time, and everyone’s trying to navigate the uncertainty!