The Smartest Items to Buy Now, Before Tariffs Drive Costs Higher

The Trump administration's newly announced tariffs are about to take effect, and their impact may be greater than many expect. Contrary to popular belief, tariffs are not paid for by the government — they're paid by consumers. So, if someone tells you that these tariffs won't affect your daily life, they're wrong. A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods and services, essentially adding an extra cost to foreign products when they enter the country.

Since tariffs only apply to newly-imported goods, the prices of items already sitting in American warehouses will likely remain the same for a few more weeks. The bad news? Tariffs on goods from China and other Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh have more than doubled — some as high as 104 percent, as reported by BBC. On top of that, essentials like packaging, batteries, fabric, and zippers are also becoming more expensive, so prices across the board will rise — from clothing to furniture to tech — regardless of where it's made.

The not-so-bad, but not-quite-good news? Tariffs are based on the wholesale cost of goods, not the retail price. So while prices will go up, they won't double overnight. For example, a $140 pair of sneakers with a $70 declared value might increase by around $30.

Regardless of how much prices will rise, we recommend purchasing items now before prices jump. Read ahead to shop specific brands we love — and the bestselling products they're known for — that may be impacted.