What’s Happening with Tariffs and Why It Matters to You
The U.S. government recently ended the “de minimis” exemption, which allowed shipments from China valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs. Now, many goods face tariffs as high as 120% to 145%, or a fixed fee of $100 (increasing to $200 in June).
This change hits companies like Temu and Shein hard, forcing them to raise prices or change how they ship products to U.S. customers. At the same time, tariffs on electronics and car parts are pushing up prices on smartphones, laptops, and vehicles. These costs are passed on to consumers.
How Tariffs Are Affecting Key Shopping Categories
Electronics: Prices Are Rising, So Shop Early
Tariffs on semiconductors and electronic components are driving up the cost of devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Companies report massive losses, and consumer prices are starting to rise.
What You Can Do to Save:
- Shop Around and Compare Prices: Check Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, Target, and even eBay. Some stores price match if you find a better deal.
- Look for Sales and Time Your Purchase: Watch for Memorial Day, back-to-school, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday sales. Sign up for store emails for alerts.
- Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Items: Best Buy, Walmart, Apple, and eBay offer certified refurbished products with warranties. Always check seller reviews.
- Buy Older Models: Last year’s phones, laptops, or TVs often drop in price and still perform well for most users.
Summary
To save money before tariffs hit hard, compare prices, use coupons, shop major sales, buy older or refurbished models, and repair what you can. Stores like eBay, Best Buy, Walmart, and local shops often beat Amazon on price.
Cars and Auto Parts: Expect Higher Prices and Fewer Options
Cars
- Dealers are clearing old inventory: Cars bought pre-tariff are being sold now. Once those are gone, new stock will reflect higher costs.
- Price hikes expected soon: Increases may start within weeks or months, depending on how fast current inventory sells.
- Increases vary: Some cars may go up $2,000–$3,000; luxury or imported cars could rise $10,000+.
- Used car prices may also rise: More people will seek affordable alternatives as new prices climb.
If you’re thinking of buying a car, shop now before prices go up this summer.
Auto Parts
- As of May 3, 2025, a 25% tariff on imported parts like engines and transmissions is active. This impacts both foreign and U.S.-assembled vehicles.
- Ford and GM are absorbing billions in costs. Even small price increases in new cars could mean large jumps in repair prices.
- Very few cars are built entirely with U.S./Canada parts. Tariffs will affect nearly all brands.
- Exemptions exist for Canada/Mexico parts but are hard to qualify for.
- The White House has promised some reimbursement, but long-term costs will likely fall on consumers.
Need repairs? Schedule them soon. Prices for parts and labor will keep rising. Use coupons or deal apps to lower maintenance costs.
Fast Fashion Giants Shein and Temu: Prices Are Going Up, But Deals Remain
- Temu is shifting inventory to U.S. warehouses to avoid direct shipping tariffs.
- Shein is raising prices but staying competitive with flash sales and coupons.
- Both platforms still offer app-based games, referral codes, and free shipping promos.
How to Save:
- Check for active promo codes before ordering.
- Compare prices with Amazon’s $20-and-under storefront.
- Use Amazon daily deals or coupon sections for alternatives.
Other Items You’ll See Price Increases On in 2025
Beyond electronics and cars, these categories are also being hit by tariffs:
- Baby products: 90% made overseas. Prices up 10%–40% (UPPAbaby, Evenflo).
- Mattresses: U.S. brands using imported latex or wool increasing prices by 6%–7.5%.
- Clothing and shoes: Up to 65% higher for leather and textiles from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh.
- Furniture: 30%–40% of U.S. furniture is imported; tariffs pushing up prices.
- Toys: Hasbro and others raising prices to cover tariff costs.
- Cookware & power tools: Higher prices on imported metal goods.
- Food & drinks: Produce, coffee, chocolate, wine up 2.6%–3.6%.
What New Tariffs Mean for Your Wallet – and How Promo Codes and Coupons Can Help
New tariffs are reshaping the market and increasing prices across essentials. But you can fight back: start shopping early, compare prices, and use tools like coupons, sales alerts, and promo codes to protect your wallet.
Tip: Bookmark deal sites, check Amazon’s coupon section often, and always search for codes before hitting checkout.