Ready or not, here they come, you can’t hide. Tariffs are back, and this time, your wallet is the target.
On April 2, the U.S. is expected to announce a sweeping expansion of sector-specific tariffs, a move that could send the cost of everyday goods soaring just as American consumers are beginning to breathe a little easier on inflation.
From electronics to appliances, toys to textiles, the next round of tariffs — already being teased as (a second) “Liberation Day” by President Trump — may sound patriotic, but the economic math is panning out to be anything but.
Let’s be clear: tariffs are taxes. While rhetoric might pitch them as a penalty for foreign manufacturers, in practice, the added cost almost always gets passed down to you and me.
According to a 2019 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the full cost of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration was passed on to U.S. importers and consumers — with no meaningful reduction in foreign export prices.
We’re already seeing the warning signs. Walmart and Target have each issued statements about rising prices on groceries and general merchandise if tariffs take effect.
And if 2018 is any guide, expect this new wave to hit hard: Prices on household appliances like washing machines jumped 12% after tariffs kicked in during the last trade war, according to Consumer Reports.
Even sectors that aren’t directly targeted tend to feel the squeeze. Manufacturers move production to tariff-free countries, but with supply chains in flux, costs still climb — and often, quality slips. Inflation has slowed in recent months, but this looming policy shift threatens to reheat prices across categories.
That’s why now — during the Amazon Big Spring Sale — is the smartest time to make those big-ticket purchases you’ve been putting off. Amazon is currently running the best sale of the season through March 31, and some of the items seeing the steepest discounts today may be the most expensive come May. We’re talking about smart TVs, headphones, routers, luggage, refrigerators, and outdoor furniture. Anything with parts or production rooted in China or Mexico could be on the list.
While the full details of the April 2 rollout haven’t been released, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg both report the administration is eyeing expansion in consumer-facing categories — meaning this isn’t a drill. It’s a deadline.
So if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech, refreshing your kitchen, or grabbing a few early gifts ahead of the summer, this is the week to strike.
Because this is what we love to do (and what we’re pretty good at, I might add), below, we’ve rounded up the 10 smartest categories to shop now before prices spike.
Industry-leading noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery life make these a travel essential. Often manufactured in Malaysia or China makes now a good time to buy before any tariff turbulence.
With high-fidelity sound and plush comfort, these Bose QuietComfort headphones are built for long-haul listening. Assembled in China, they could be impacted by upcoming tariffs—making this sale price a smart play.
Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony’s WH-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComforts all share a manufacturing origin: China. That makes them likely targets in a new tariff rollout. When a similar policy was enacted in 2019, headphone prices climbed nearly 10%. With audio tech already seeing markdowns ahead of travel and festival season, there’s no better time to lock in premium sound at pre-tariff prices. Shop more Amazon Big Sprig Sale headphone deals.
Boost your home’s signal strength with this budget-friendly extender. Ideal for dead zones and streaming, it’s an easy upgrade for any setup. Most extenders are made in China, which could be a pricing risk later in the year.
The R6700AX supports WiFi 6 for faster speeds and smoother streaming. Strong parental controls and coverage up to 1,500 square feet make this a smart buy for families. NETGEAR often ships from Asia, so save now.
Eliminate buffering and dead zones with eero’s mesh WiFi. Easy setup and automatic updates make it perfect for smart homes. As an Amazon brand, pricing is competitive — but tariffs could affect future production costs.
TP-Link, Netgear, and Amazon-owned Eero routers depend on Chinese and Taiwanese production lines. If consumer electronics get hit again, connectivity hardware will likely be part of the fallout. Whether you’re working from home or streaming everything, investing in stable, high-speed internet gear now is a smart and timely move. Shop the Baseus Magsafe Portable Charger deal during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.
Hisense delivers sharp 4K detail, Dolby Vision, and Alexa voice control in this sleek display. With manufacturing rooted in Asia, the current sale price may not last long once tariffs expand.
Turn your screen into wall art with The Frame by Samsung. Stunning picture quality meets modern design—and with tech tariffs looming, now’s a smart time to upgrade. Read our honest review here.
This TCL smart TV offers vibrant QLED color and built-in streaming apps at a stellar price. TCL TVs are produced in China, so better to buy now before prices potentially jump by this time next year.
During the last major round of tariffs, smart TVs saw price hikes of up to 20%. TCL and Hisense are especially exposed, but even brands like Samsung and LG source panels and chips from Asia. With March Madness and spring viewing around the corner, big screens are already on sale — waiting could mean paying more for less. Shop more Amazon Big Spring Sale TV deals.
This Samsonite hardside luggage set is lightweight, durable, and TSA-lock ready — perfect for frequent flyers. With manufacturing ties to China and Vietnam, Samsonite is one of many brands that could see tariff price hikes.
The Rockland Melbourne set offers value, durability, and roomy interiors for the price. Manufactured in China, it’s among the luggage options that could cost more under new tariffs. This deal packs smart savings into every trip.
Amazon Basics offers a reliable, budget-friendly carry-on with smooth spinner wheels and a scratch-resistant shell. It’s perfect for short trips and overhead bins. As a direct-to-consumer import, it might not stay this cheap post-April.
If travel’s on your agenda, don’t wait to upgrade your suitcase. It’s likely that over 90% of luggage sold in the U.S. is imported from countries now under tariff consideration. Brands like Samsonite, Rockland, and Amazon Basics rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories. Once tariffs hit, sticker prices will follow — and quality options may disappear fast. Shop more Amazon Big Spring Sale luggage deals.
Crispy meals, fewer calories — this COSORI air fryer handles everything from wings to veggies in minutes. Compact yet powerful, it fits any kitchen without hogging counter space. A popular import, it’s a smart buy before prices get cooked by potential tariffs.
Mix, whip, and knead with ease, thanks to this compact KitchenAid workhorse. While the brand is American, many parts are sourced globally, and rising input costs could impact pricing. If baking is your love language, now’s the time to upgrade.
Start your morning with rich, crema-topped coffee at the touch of a button. The Nespresso Vertuo delivers café-style drinks at home with pods and precision. Assembled overseas, it’s a luxe kitchen upgrade that’s smart to snag while it’s on sale.
Small appliances like air fryers, stand mixers, and espresso machines often rely on parts sourced from China, even when final assembly is done elsewhere. If tariffs affect electronics and steel simultaneously, expect a double whammy on kitchen gadgets. Right now, Amazon’s sale features major markdowns — before April 2 sends costs simmering upward. Shop more chef-selected Amazon Big Spring Sale kitchen deals.
Double door and massive storage — this GE Profile fridge is a kitchen centerpiece. Though GE has U.S. ops, parts are globally sourced, leaving it exposed to potential price surges. A big-ticket item worth locking in now.
Stay cool with this energy-efficient AC unit featuring a remote and quiet performance. It’s ideal for bedrooms or small apartments. Window units often rely on Chinese-made parts, so buying now could save money come summer.
This smart, high-efficiency washer cuts laundry time with Accela Wash tech while using less water and energy. Kenmore appliances include many imported components, which could be tariff-sensitive soon.
Washing machines and refrigerators were some of the first products to see price hikes during the 2018 tariff surge, with tariffs ranging from 20% to 50%. Whirlpool admitted to $100+ increases per unit. LG and Samsung still rely heavily on imported parts. With spring renovations underway, this sale window could be your last chance to buy before prices surge.
Even when companies like LG and Samsung moved some production stateside in response to tariffs — opening U.S. plants in Tennessee and South Carolina, respectively — the shift didn’t fully shield consumers from price hikes. That’s because many key components, including motors and control boards, are still sourced from abroad.
As the Wall Street Journal reported, Samsung continues to import many of the parts used at its South Carolina plant from South Korea and other countries. So even with “Made in America” assembly, the global supply chain remains vulnerable to added costs — costs that often end up baked into the retail price. Shop Amazon Big Spring Sale deals from Breville.
This 5-piece patio set brings comfort and style to any porch or backyard. With weather-resistant fabric cushions and smooth swivel rockers, it’s built for lounging. Outdoor furniture like this is often imported, so springing now could mean serious savings later.
Enjoy a warm, smokeless flame with this sleek fire pit made for modern backyards. It includes a cover and wood pack for easy setup. Backyard upgrades like this often spike in price seasonally — let alone under tariff threats, so shopping early is key.
Create a shaded oasis with this heavy-duty gazebo, featuring a vented roof and galvanized steel panels; it is ideal for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. Given its size and materials, it’s a category likely to feel the pressure of rising import costs.
Most patio furniture — frames, fabrics, cushions — is made or assembled overseas. In 2018, this category saw a 17% price hike after new tariffs took effect. Whether you’re prepping for pool season or finally furnishing your balcony, outdoor sets are an especially vulnerable category you’ll want to buy early. Shop the best exclusive Amazon Big Spring Sale deals for Prime members.
This DEWALT cordless drill and driver combo is a New York Post reader favorite and delivers power and precision for drilling, fastening, and all your weekend projects. As with many tools made with imported parts, prices could climb if tariffs hit.
This Bosch kit combines torque and speed with ergonomic comfort. The compact design is perfect for tight spots and everyday repairs. As components come from various regions, tool prices could be one of the first to swing under trade changes.
Makita’s brushless motors run cooler and last longer, making this kit ideal for heavy-duty jobs. It includes a hammer drill, an impact driver, a fast charger, and two batteries. A top-tier brand with global sourcing — buying now avoids potential markups later.
Drills, saws, sanders — if it’s in your garage, it probably has parts made in Mexico or China. DEWALT, Makita, and Bosch all rely on international components. As with past tariff hikes, cordless power tools could jump nearly 10% in cost. Consider this your green light to grab those upgrades before DIY season ramps up. Shop more Amazon Big Spring Sale DEWALT deals.
Get kids moving with this adjustable hoop that’s perfect for growing toddlers. It’s a classic that encourages active play. Though Little Tikes assembles some items in the U.S., imported parts could push prices higher as demand grows and tariffs tighten.
Barbie’s iconic Dreamhouse comes with lights, sounds, and endless imagination across three floors. It’s a big-ticket toy that rarely goes on sale and sells out fast. Many Barbie products are made in Asia, meaning prices could rise if toy imports are taxed again.
Packed with 484 colorful bricks, this LEGO set fuels hours of open-ended building fun. A top seller for birthdays and holidays, it’s rarely discounted. LEGO sets are manufactured globally, and supply costs may spike under expanded trade restrictions.
LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf — all produced outside the U.S., and all likely to get pricier post-April 2. During the last tariff cycle, toy prices climbed over 7% in one holiday season. With birthdays, graduations, and spring holidays ahead, locking in gifts now could save you serious cash later. Shop more Amazon Big Spring Sale toy deals.
This cozy, iconic fleece from GAP blends comfort and quality in an everyday staple. Perfect for layering year-round, it’s soft, durable, and machine-washable. Many textiles originate in Asia, making this a timely buy before potential cost increases.
From the locker room to lounging, these adidas slides are built for all-day wear. Water-resistant and cushioned, they’re an easy win for spring and summer. With global production, even simple footwear like this could be hit by new tariffs.
Classic, flattering, and built to last, Levi’s jeans blend stretch and structure for all-day ease. Whether it’s the iconic 501s or modern cuts like these, Levi’s denim is a wardrobe essential. The brand fabricates globally, and pricing could rise with new tariffs on imported apparel.
Over 70% of footwear and 40% of clothing in the U.S. is imported from China. That includes sneakers, jeans, activewear, and essentials from GAP, Adidas, Levi’s, and more. If tariffs land here again, prices on everyday staples will jump. Buying basics now — when stock is high and prices are low — is the smartest wardrobe refresh move you can make. Shop more Amazon Big Spring Sale deals from Levi’s and adidas.
The Big Spring Sale is an Amazon-hosted seasonal sale event aimed at popular products to shop for spring. It’s similar to Amazon Prime Day, offering a wide range of deals and discounts on various products, spanning the final week of March.
Shoppers have 7 days to take advantage of discounts. This sale runs a full week, beginning at 12 a.m. PT on Tuesday, March 25, through 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, March 31.
The Big Spring Sale ends March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on April 1 their time to shop the deals.
Unlike Prime Day, the Spring Sale is open to all Amazon shoppers. However, Prime members will enjoy exclusive deals and early access to certain promotions. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached.
From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it’s the ideal period to upgrade your outdoor furniture, restock spring cleaning supplies, find new spring fashion pieces and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers.
Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year. While Amazon hasn’t confirmed the dates for Prime Day 2025, it’s safe to assume it will take place in mid-July — similar to previous years.
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For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.