New tariffs could soon cause the cost of everyday household essentials to rise across the board.
Tariffs and trade policies are a little like a thermostat in the global economy. When they change, the entire system adjusts, and often that means a price hike at the store. Many everyday household items that you take for granted are assembled from parts or materials sourced from all over the world, which makes them incredibly sensitive to any new import taxes.
The goods on this list are not just from a single brand, but represent entire categories that are vulnerable to price shifts. When a whole industry, from electronics to cleaning supplies, is faced with higher import costs, you can bet that the extra burden will eventually be passed on to the consumer. It’s a domino effect, and it’s a good time to reconsider your budget if you want to be able to save for future goals.
Small Kitchen Appliances
That coffee maker, toaster, or blender on your counter is likely a product of a global supply chain. The components for these small appliances are often sourced from many different countries, and a tariff on even one of them can increase the final price. This could make it more expensive to replace a broken appliance.
When everyday essentials like these go up in price, it affects more than just convenience. Families may delay replacements, settle for lower-quality alternatives, or shift money away from savings to cover the cost. Even small price jumps in these appliances can ripple through a household budget.
Wine And Spirits
If you enjoy a glass of wine from France or a bottle of whiskey from Scotland, you might have to pay more for it soon. The US imports a large amount of its wine and spirits from European countries. A tariff on these goods can make every bottle significantly more expensive, which can affect everything from your weekly shopping trip to a night out at a restaurant.
Karl Storchmann, a clinical professor of economics at New York University, stated that from the 25% tariffs that were imposed on bottled still wine from France, Spain, Germany, and the UK from October 2019 to March 2021, the burden was split between producers and consumers. This shows how quickly these costs can impact you.
Electronics and Household Appliances
From smartphones to televisions, electronics depend on a complex web of imported parts. Even a tariff on something as small as a semiconductor or circuit board can raise the cost of the final product. Because these devices are so interconnected globally, a single trade dispute can affect the price of nearly every gadget you buy, forcing many households to delay upgrades or hold onto older devices longer.
The same challenge applies to large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves. Many of these products are built with imported steel, aluminum, and other materials that are vulnerable to tariffs. A 2025 report from MoneyTalksNews stated that tariffs of 10-20% on household appliances could lead to price hikes of up to 10.9%. When production costs rise, retail prices follow, making it harder for families to replace essential machines while still maintaining a budget for savings.
Furniture
That flat-pack bookshelf or sleek coffee table from your favorite store is likely made with materials sourced from countries around the globe. Furniture is a major import category, and a tariff on wood, metal, or other raw materials can directly impact the price of every couch, chair, or bed you buy. It can turn a simple purchase into a difficult decision.
The National Retail Federation estimates that potential tariffs on furniture could raise costs by 6.4% to 9.5%, adding up to $13.1 billion annually to consumer expenses. For those who are moving into a new home or trying to furnish a first apartment, this can feel like a daunting financial challenge.
Clothing And Footwear
From your favorite jeans to your running shoes, a large portion of the clothing and footwear sold in the US is imported. The fashion industry is a truly global enterprise, with materials, design, and manufacturing all happening in different countries. A tariff on apparel from a major manufacturing country could make your next shopping trip a lot more expensive.
A 2025 report from AARP found that U.S. consumers could pay between $6.4 billion and $10.7 billion more for footwear this year as a result of tariffs. Nearly half of shoe executives surveyed by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) said they anticipate their retail prices will increase by more than 5% in 2025.
Toys
Toys are a classic example of an item that is heavily reliant on a global supply chain. The majority of toys and games sold in the US are made in other countries. A tariff on these products could mean that parents and gift givers have to pay more for everything from a board game to a plastic action figure, just in time for the holidays.
The Toy Association, a national industry group, reported that over 85% of toys sold in the U.S. are sourced from China. As a result, toy prices have been rising due to tariffs, with a 2.2% increase from April to May in 2025. It can be difficult to find a side hustle to make up the extra cost.
Coffee And Tea
You may not think of your morning cup of joe as an import, but coffee beans and tea leaves are a truly global commodity. The United States imports a vast majority of its coffee and tea from countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. A tariff on these products could mean that your favorite morning ritual becomes significantly more expensive.
According to the USDA, the US imports about 80% of its coffee beans from Latin American countries, particularly Brazil and Colombia. Any trade policy changes with these regions could cause a price spike for coffee lovers everywhere. This might make it difficult to save for a vacation or travel.
Seafood
A seafood dinner might become a luxury if tariffs on imported fish and shellfish from major fishing countries go into effect. The US relies on many countries to meet its demand for popular seafood items like shrimp, tuna, and salmon. A tariff on these imports could drive up prices for everything from a can of tuna to a fillet of salmon.
Top fish and shellfish exporters, including Chile and India, were hit with new tariffs of 10% and 26%, respectively. This puts pressure on the seafood industry to raise prices for consumers. This can make it difficult for you to invest in your future by putting money in your stocks or ETFs.
Garden Tools
Many of the tools you use for gardening and yard work, from shovels and rakes to lawnmowers, are manufactured overseas. A tariff on steel, aluminum, or plastic could increase the price of these everyday household items. This could make it more expensive to maintain your home and garden.
Higher costs for tools can force homeowners to delay upgrades or repairs. Something as simple as replacing a broken lawnmower or buying new shears can suddenly become a bigger financial decision. For anyone focused on maintaining their outdoor space, these added expenses can quickly stretch the budget.
Cookware
From your pots and pans to your cutlery, many of the items in your kitchen are made with imported materials. A tariff on iron, steel, or aluminum could increase the price of all of your cookware. This could make it more expensive to replace a worn-out pan or upgrade your kitchen utensils.
Higher prices on everyday kitchen items add up quickly. What once felt like a small purchase can start to strain your monthly budget. For families already trying to save, even modest increases in cookware costs can make it harder to set money aside for other priorities.
Home Decor And Textiles
When you are buying new curtains, a throw rug, or a set of sheets, you might not realize that these items are often imported. The textile industry is heavily globalized, and a tariff on fabrics from countries like China, India, or Vietnam could drive up the cost of your home decor and linens.
If these essentials become more expensive, it can quickly strain your household budget. Spending more on everyday goods leaves less room for saving, investing, or planning for long-term goals. Even small price increases in textiles can add up over time.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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