With President Donald Trump rolling out powerful new tariffs aimed at boosting American manufacturing and protecting U.S. workers, many consumers aren’t waiting for prices to go up — they’re buying now.
Car Sales Surge as Americans Move Fast
According to auto analysts at Cox Automotive, new vehicle sales jumped in late March as smart shoppers rushed to lock in deals before tariffs begin affecting production costs. Experts say this could be the best sales month in four years.
“Right now, many consumers are adopting a ‘buy now before it costs more’ mindset, anticipating that prices will climb as the year goes on,” explained Erin Keating, a lead analyst at Cox Automotive.
Why Prices May Rise — And What to Expect
Beginning April 5, Trump’s new 10% baseline tariff on imported goods goes into effect, followed by reciprocal tariffs on specific countries starting April 9. These actions are designed to level the playing field after decades of unfair trade practices that hurt American jobs and industry.
These tariffs could impact a wide range of products, including:
- Automobiles and car parts
- Household electronics
- Health and beauty supplies
- Coffee, tea, and packaged foods
- Cleaning and personal care items
Expert Tip: Stock Up While Prices Are Low
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently advised consumers to buy essentials now before prices rise. “From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory,” he wrote on Bluesky.
Even U.S.-made goods could see price hikes, he warned, as retailers adjust to market pressures and increased demand.
What Smart Shoppers Are Doing
Americans across the country are listening.
Noel Peguero, 50, told The Wall Street Journal he wasn’t taking chances. “Now is the time to buy,” he said, after purchasing a flat-screen TV from a popular electronics store.
In West Virginia, Melanie Moroz told Business Insider she’s been stocking up on haircare and skincare products to prepare for possible shortages and price increases.
A CreditCards.com survey found that 1 in 5 Americans are already buying more than usual — especially older adults looking to stretch their dollars and secure their savings.
How to Prepare: Simple Strategies That Make a Big Difference
- Buy in bulk: Focus on shelf-stable items like soap, toothpaste, paper goods, and over-the-counter medicine.
- Plan your purchases: Look for sales on electronics, appliances, and vehicles before mid-April.
- Protect your finances: Consider how short-term inflation could affect your retirement savings or fixed income.
Stay Ahead of Inflation — Without Panic
Some financial voices, like New York Times columnist Ron Lieber, advise caution and suggest not going into debt to stockpile. But for many Americans — especially those who remember the empty shelves of 2020 — the mindset is simple: better safe than sorry.
With growing talk of a potential recession and continued market volatility, the best move may be to prepare smartly, spend wisely, and avoid being caught off guard.
Final Word: Whether it’s groceries, car parts, or personal care items, now may be the right time to make smart purchases — before new tariffs ripple through the economy.