Skip to main content

How to Tariff-Proof Your Shopping This Summer

May 15, 2025

Tips to Keep Spending in Check

Summer is prime time for shopping—backyard gear, travel essentials, home improvement supplies, and all the seasonal sales you’ve been waiting for. But this year, prices on everyday goods may feel noticeably higher, and it’s not just inflation to blame. Tariffs—government-imposed taxes on imported goods—can quietly add to the cost of everything from clothing to electronics to household staples.

Whether due to global trade tensions, new policy shifts, or lingering supply chain issues, tariffs are here, and they’re affecting more consumer products than you might realize. The good news? With a little strategy, you can tariff-proof your summer shopping and stretch your dollar further.

Here are six smart ways to avoid the hidden costs of tariffs and still get what you need.

1. Shop Local or Buy American-Made

One of the best ways to avoid tariff-related price increases is to purchase items made domestically. Imported goods—especially from certain countries—may be subject to hefty tariffs, which retailers often pass along to consumers. U.S.-made products, on the other hand, are usually exempt and may offer better reliability and quality.

Check labels or product descriptions online and in-store. Look for “Made in the USA” tags on clothing, appliances, tools, outdoor furniture, and even food. Buying local also supports small businesses and regional economies.

2. Stick to Seasonal Sales—and Shop Ahead

Timing matters. Summer holiday sales around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day can offer significant savings. Plan ahead and shop during these peak sales periods for larger-ticket items like grills, patio furniture, and electronics.

If you anticipate needing school supplies, travel gear, or even fall clothing, consider buying early—before any additional tariffs roll out and raise prices further. Being proactive can help you sidestep the seasonal price hikes.

3. Buy Used or Refurbished

Shopping secondhand is not only eco-friendly—it’s tariff-proof. Whether it’s sporting goods, electronics, furniture, or fashion, used or refurbished items aren’t affected by new import duties. You can often find high-quality goods at a fraction of the cost through:

  • Local consignment shops
  • Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
  • Certified refurbished tech from trusted retailers
  • Online thrift platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, or OfferUp

Just be sure to check return policies or warranties before purchasing.

4. Consider Alternative Brands or Generic Versions

Many big-name or trendy brands rely heavily on imported components or manufacturing, which means they may be more exposed to tariffs. Instead, look for alternative brands, store brands, or generic versions, especially for household goods, apparel, and kitchen items.

Store brands often offer comparable quality without the markup. And when it comes to pantry staples, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, buying generic can yield major savings.

5. Use Price-Tracking Tools and Apps

Online shopping can offer more transparency in pricing and lets you spot trends. Use tools like:

  • Honey or Rakuten for coupons and cashback
  • CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon price history
  • Google Shopping to compare prices across retailers

These tools help you know whether you’re getting a fair deal—or if you should hold off and wait for a better price. They can also alert you to price drops or upcoming sales.

6. Be Flexible with Product Choices

The more specific you are about a brand, model, or style, the more likely you’ll end up paying a premium. Stay open to similar options that are in stock, not tariffed, or manufactured closer to home. For example:

  • Choose bamboo or composite outdoor furniture over imported teak
  • Opt for linen or cotton blends made in North America rather than imported luxury textiles
  • Buy multipurpose or multi-use items to reduce your overall volume of purchases

Final Thought: Smart Shopping Wins Every Season

Tariffs may be out of your control, but how and where you shop isn’t. With a little extra research and flexibility, you can beat the summer price surge, avoid hidden costs, and stick to your budget. Tariff-proofing your shopping doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it means shopping smarter.

Your wallet will thank you, and so will your summer plans.

Share this:


locations

Thank you for visiting our website

The link you clicked will take you to one of our partner websites. We don't control the content of our partner sites. Please review their Privacy Policy as it may differ from our Privacy Policy. We hope you found the information you were looking for from Town & Country Federal Credit Union.