It’s a bit of an understatement to say President Donald Trump has made tariffs one of the signature policies of his second term in the White House. Now, that plan has hit its biggest roadblock yet, but the possibility of higher prices on everyday items still looms.
On Wednesday evening, the three-judge panel at the New York-based US Court of International Trade ruled that Trump had overstepped the bounds of his executive branch authority with his wide-ranging tariff policy, effectively nullifying it for the time being. The court explained that Congress, with its “power of the purse,” has the primary authority to impose tariffs, and that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 — which Trump has used to justify his ability to impose them — does not grant the president “unlimited” authority on tariffs.
The Trump administration has, unsurprisingly, decried this ruling and moved swiftly to request that the Supreme Court strike it down. We’ll see how that ultimately plays out, but for now, the possibility that the president’s tariff policies will lead to price hikes remains very real. That’s why I’m continuing to monitor several key products you might want or need to buy soon, to keep track of the potential tariff impacts.
In today’s chaotic global economy, tariffs are no longer a distant policy debate—they’re in your shopping cart, on your shelves, and eating into your budget. With Trump’s tariff plans hitting significant political and economic resistance, the real story isn’t in the White House anymore. It’s in your daily purchases.
CNET’s Daily Tariff Price Tracker is pulling back the curtain on how geopolitical moves affect the price of goods we all rely on. I’ve been closely following 11 key products, and let me tell you—some of these price shifts are jaw-dropping. Let’s break it down and help you stay ahead of the financial pinch.
Why Should You Care About Tariffs?
Ever feel like your wallet’s shrinking even though your spending habits haven’t changed? That’s tariffs in action. Tariffs are taxes on imports, and guess who pays them in the end? Spoiler: it’s not the foreign companies. It’s you.
How CNET’s Daily Tracker Works
CNET uses real-time pricing tools and retail analytics to monitor cost fluctuations across major consumer categories. From electronics to groceries, they’ve pinpointed which goods are getting hit hardest.
Data-Driven Tracking
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Pulls price points from Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and more.
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Compares weekly, monthly, and quarterly shifts.
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Flags products directly affected by U.S.-China trade tensions.
11 Products I’m Personally Watching (And You Should Too)
These are the products showing major price turbulence since Trump’s trade strategies started stalling. Let’s dig into what’s changing—and why.
1. Laptops and Tablets
Tariffs on Chinese electronics? Yep, that sleek MacBook or Galaxy Tab just got pricier.
Impact: Prices have spiked 5–15% since early policy announcements.
Tip: Consider refurbished models or hold off until year-end deals.
2. Smartphones
iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, Google Pixels—none are safe.
Impact: Manufacturers are absorbing some cost, but retail prices still see a 3–7% uptick.
Strategy: Shop older models or explore mid-tier alternatives.
3. Home Office Equipment
Printers, routers, and webcams are feeling the squeeze.
Insight: With more remote work, demand is high, so suppliers pass on those extra costs.
4. Clothing and Footwear
Tariffs on textiles and shoes mean your wardrobe is no longer a safe haven.
Reality Check: Even budget brands like H&M and Old Navy have quietly raised prices.
5. Kitchen Appliances
Blenders, toasters, coffee makers—it’s the stuff you use daily.
Effect: Small appliances imported from Asia have seen price hikes of up to 20%.
Advice: Hunt for deals in-store or wait for major sales events.
6. Televisions
TVs are a classic tariff target.
Fact: 50-inch models have seen average price increases of $30–$50.
7. Batteries and Power Banks
Mostly made in China, these are being hit hard.
Observation: Power bank prices have surged 10% across e-commerce sites.
8. Toys and Games
Holiday shopping just got harder for parents.
Warning: Classic toys and board games are trending upwards in price.
Pro Tip: Buy offseason to avoid inflated pricing.
9. Tools and Hardware
From drills to screws, your DIY project now comes with an extra fee.
Trend: Tariff costs trickle down to home improvement products.
10. Cameras and Photography Gear
Your next creative venture might need a budget bump.
Stat: Entry-level DSLR and mirrorless camera prices are rising by 8–12%.
11. Household Essentials
Sponges, mops, even certain cleaning products are imported—and now more expensive.
Impact: A less noticeable rise, but it adds up fast in weekly expenses.
Trump’s Trade Plan—Where Did It Hit the Wall?
Political Resistance
Congressional opposition has made it hard to push more aggressive tariffs. There’s bipartisan concern about inflation and voter backlash.
Economic Backlash
Businesses—especially retailers—aren’t staying quiet. Supply chain disruptions and increased overhead costs have sparked lobbying efforts to stop further tariff escalations.
Global Negotiation Fatigue
Other countries, particularly China, aren’t backing down easily. The tariff tit-for-tat continues, dragging negotiations out with no end in sight.
The Human Side of Tariffs
Ever noticed how stressed people get about grocery bills now? Or how tech upgrades are now considered luxury splurges? This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about day-to-day survival.
What Can You Do as a Consumer?
Use tools like CNET’s Tracker, Honey, and CamelCamelCamel.
Rethink Your Budget
Make room for rising costs, especially in categories you can’t avoid.
Shop Strategically
Buy in bulk, use coupons, shop offseason, and consider local brands.
Support Domestic Products
They’re not always cheaper, but they do insulate you from international turbulence.
Long-Term Trends to Watch
Tariffs may be temporary, but their ripple effects are long-term. Manufacturers are moving production, pricing models are changing, and consumer habits are shifting. This is not a blip—it’s a new baseline.
Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Ahead
Whether or not Trump’s tariff plans bounce back or completely collapse, one thing’s certain: your wallet feels it either way. CNET’s Daily Tariff Price Tracker is more than a nerdy tool—it’s your cheat code for surviving a global game of economic tug-of-war.
Keep watching. Keep adjusting. And remember—when prices go up, knowledge is your biggest discount.
