As Black Friday approaches, one expert is urging consumers to take advantage of deals on major purchases before President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs take effect next year.
Key items to prioritize this year include gaming laptops, televisions, robot vacuums, power backup systems, and luxury fashion—categories poised for potential price hikes if the anticipated trade policies materialize.
Trump has pledged sweeping tariffs, including up to a 60 percent levy on Chinese imports and a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. While these measures aim to bolster American manufacturing and address border security, many economists warn they will likely result in higher consumer costs.
Newsweek has reached out to Trump's transition team for comment via email on Thursday.
"Tariffs could influence both retailers and consumers. If the proposed 25% tariffs are introduced, shoppers might experience higher prices on goods from affected countries, particularly in categories like electronics, apparel, and home goods, which rely heavily on imported materials and manufacturing," Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst at WalletHub, told Newsweek.
If Mexico, Canada, and China face the additional tariffs proposed by Trump, the total could amount to roughly $266 billion in tax collections—assuming no major disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries.
The burden of these taxes would likely fall on U.S. families, importers, and both domestic and foreign companies, either through higher prices or reduced profits. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that these policies could cost American consumers between $46 billion and $78 billion annually, impacting key sectors of the economy.
Despite Trump's proposed tariffs, some experts say that these actions are primarily aimed at addressing border security and projecting strength to the international community. Howard S. Dvorkin, founder of Debt.com, told Newsweek that he expects minimal immediate impact on prices.
"I do not believe we will see any immediate changes in the pricing of goods. However, I do anticipate that prices for some imported products from the mentioned countries may rise to some extent after the inauguration," he said.
Five Must-Buy Items
With Black Friday traditionally offering steep discounts on electronics, home goods, and luxury items, Lupo emphasized the importance of this year's shopping event for consumers looking to save.
"Black Friday is an ideal time to snag major savings on high-ticket items, especially with the potential for tariff-related price increases on the horizon," Lupo told Newsweek.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are among the tech products most vulnerable to tariff-induced price hikes. Current Black Friday deals, such as $330 off Alienware laptops, make this an optimal time for upgrades.
"Now is the time to snag these savings before new tariffs take effect," Lupo said.
TVs
High-quality televisions, especially those manufactured in Mexico and China, are another key category. This Black Friday features deals like 75-inch Sony Smart TVs for $850—nearly $230 off the regular price. Tariffs could significantly inflate these costs, making Black Friday purchases especially advantageous.
Robot Vacuums
Smart appliances like robot vacuums, with discounts of up to 40 percent this year, are popular Black Friday items. These products often depend on imported parts, which could become pricier under new trade policies.
"Waiting could mean paying more for the same convenience," Lupo said.
Power Backup Systems
With growing energy concerns, power backup systems are a practical and popular purchase. Black Friday deals on these products can offer significant savings, but experts warn that tariffs on Chinese imports could make future purchases more costly.
Luxury Fashion
Luxury fashion also stands out this season with expensive items available at half price during Black Friday sales. However, tariffs on apparel and accessories could drive up prices in the future, affecting consumers looking for premium items.
"Don't overlook luxury fashion deals, such as a Michael Kors duffle bag at half price. As always, make sure you compare pre-Black Friday prices to ensure you're truly getting a great deal," Lupo said.
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