5 things worth buying now before Trump's tariffs kick in and prices rise
Tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump are likely to bump up the prices of your favorite tech and gadgets, so knowing what's worth picking up before they set in could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Trump controversially imposed 25% tariffs on neighbors Mexico and Canada - although both are now paused - alongside 10% tariffs on all imports from China. While in an 'ideal' world this would incentivize US industry and production, the reality is that you, as a consumer, will likely be footing the bill.
Many of your favorite gadgets include key hardware that is imported from China, and the overall effect of the tariffs could result in soaring inflation, making everything more expensive across the board.
However, if there's anything that you've got your eyes on already then it'd be wise to get ahead of the curve and pick it up now, so here's all of the products that are likely to be most effected by tariff-imposed price rises.
Tablets
Many of the biggest tablets and smart home devices are likely to see an uptick in price following the tariffs, with many keeping a keen eye on iPads - especially as insiders indicate that new versions are on the horizon.
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While it might seem like a good idea traditionally to wait it out for the shiny new products to drop, you could actually be burned financially for doing this as the tariffs - and their subsequent price rising effects - could be well into effect by then.
You don't have to go for the Apple ecosystem either, as opting for Google's Pixel Tablet or the ever-reliable Amazon Fire are great - and cheaper - options if you prefer the Android space.
On top of this, e-readers and e-ink tablets will likely also be subject to the same price rises, so now might be the time to pick up that Kindle you've always been going on about, or make the full transition to electronic notepads.
Laptops
The same is very much true for laptops too, and is arguably more at risk when you start to get into the high-end and enthusiast side of things. This is due to the reliance on semiconductor technology for complex CPU and GPU hardware, which can skyrocket already expensive products that would already be hefty investments without the looming threat of tariffs.
MacBooks could also se an unfortunate price increase, and with many across America relying on Apple's popular laptops for their work, you might want to think about whether now is a good time to upgrade for you.
Smartphones & watches
On the final note when it comes to portable tech, experts indicate that there will also be a price increase for smartphones and watches from companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
That ranges from the most expensive flagship models like the iPhone 16 to the more affordable 'A' series models from the latter two companies, and tariffs could see their prices rise by up to 46%, according to the Huffington Post.
That makes both the budget options not that affordable any more, and also brings the flagships out of the price range for most consumers across the US, and with how much so many rely on their phones, this could be devastating for the market.
Video games
The Entertainment Software Association has warned specifically about the devastating effects proposed tariffs could have on the video game industry, and it's why you should consider doing your business before any measures are officially implemented.
Most games consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, are made outside of the US, alongside any physical games that collectors like to pick up too, and it's indicated that all of these will be on the receiving end of price increases - although it's not indicated exactly how much they will rise.
As reported by Venture Beat, the ESA have outlined: "Tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry's significant contributions to the US economy."
Liquor, fruit & veg
While tariffs have been paused on Mexico, it's status as a temporary measure could eventually end up affecting fruit and vegetable prices in the America across the board.
The United States purchased around $45,000,000,000 in food and farming products from Mexico in 2023, indicating that around two thirds of all imported vegetables come from the southern neighbor, and any tariffs placed on the country would prove a significant blow to the pockets of many Americans.
Much of the same is true for alcohol too, as Mexico is the source of a significant amount of America's tequila and mezcal, and any Canadian-based tariffs would significantly harm the price of whiskey.