The latest inflation report has raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on consumer prices. The Labor Department announced that the annual inflation rate climbed to 2.7% in June, the highest since February, due to rising costs for housing, food, and gasoline.
Economists expect tariffs to continue to affect prices, with costs expected to rise as retailers’ imported inventory bought at pre-tariff prices runs out. If President Donald Trump follows through on plans to resume sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries in August, goods could become even more expensive.
Experts advise consumers to stock up on essentials when they see good prices, look out for deals on items they want but don’t immediately need to have, and use cost-saving tricks like coupons or price tracking. However, some companies may raise their prices preemptively to give themselves breathing room before Labor Day sales.
Tariffs could affect a wide range of products, including electronics, apparel, and seasonal merchandise. Consumers appear to be speeding up their purchases in response to tariff fears, with U.S. retail sales increasing 0.6% last month.
To shop smart during this time, consumers can take advantage of promotional periods, prioritize essential purchases, and use tools like browser extensions to track prices. By being prepared, consumers can make the most of available deals and minimize the impact of potential price hikes.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/07/17/tariffs-prices-what-to-buy-now/85217103007