Walmart’s prices on items like baby gear and home goods have risen in recent weeks, while dozens of other products tracked by CNBC remained unchanged. The trend is a sign that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are starting to take hold.
Nationwide inflation data has shown that tariffs are beginning to impact some areas after months of muted effects. Walmart warned in May that the new duties would force it to raise prices on some items, and about two months later, some household goods have increased in price.
About a dozen items tracked by CNBC showed higher prices, including a frying pan, jeans, and a car seat. Many of these items are manufactured in countries facing significant tariff rates. However, the price analysis doesn’t provide clear answers to whether the increases were all or partly due to cost hikes from tariffs.
Walmart is tracking trends closely, as it’s the largest retailer in the US and a place where millions buy everyday essentials. The company has explicitly warned that the tariffs will impact its pricing strategy.
Some items saw notable price changes, such as a Graco car seat increasing from $199.99 to $299, or a Levi’s jeans pair rising by just one dollar. Other retailers have also reported price hikes, including Best Buy and Costco.
According to data from Circana, some categories are seeing price increases, like coats and jackets (up 21%), plush toys (19%), and casual dinnerware (23%). However, consumer spending remains steady, with sales of discretionary items down by about 1%.
Retailers and brands have employed strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs, such as importing goods early or using foreign trade zones. Companies are still trying to predict the direction of tariff levels, which affects their pricing decisions.
On the other hand, some prices dropped at Walmart, including eggs (down from $3.47 to $2.72) and Mattel-owned Barbie Swim dolls (from $7.97 to $5.97).
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/trump-tariffs-affect-walmart-prices.html