# Buying products before tariffs kick in **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 20, 2024, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936 "2024-12-20T17:21:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/1 "2024-12-20T17:21:23Z")
I read an article on one of the online business sites which opined that tariffs might soon make some products much more expensive. At the top of their list was consumer electronics. Mr. brown has been griping that our aged laptop has been giving signs that it wants to die. I showed him the article and told him that now might be the time to replace it, rather than waiting until post-tariff time next year. He agreed and he’s on his way to the Apple store right now to see about a new one. We’ll get a good chunk of change from them when we trade in our current laptop, so the final price won’t be too onerous. Anyone else contemplating any imminent pre-tariff purchases? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/2 "2024-12-20T17:37:45Z")
> [@teelabrown](#): > > Anyone else contemplating any imminent pre-tariff purchases? My gf wants to get a bigger television. We have a flat-screen that I bought ~6 years ago, that we do not watch. I think if we get a bigger flat screen we won’t watch it, but it will look cool in the living room. She’s planning specifically to purchase it soon to avoid tariff related price increases. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/3 "2024-12-20T17:55:26Z")
Bought myself a gaming laptop that I couldn’t really afford, and didn’t really want, and will probably end up returning… mostly using the tariffs as an excuse, lol. But yeah, I do wonder how much worse it’ll get. Inflation had been bad enough already these last few years ☹ ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/4 "2024-12-21T00:28:16Z")
I bought a new gaming laptop on a pre-black Friday sale with funds that came from a bank favor in my error. And I bought some bonus RAM to go into it. The tariffs was a helpful excuse, but the biggest issues was that my old laptop (which, granted, is NOT my primary machine) was not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 and therefore was having a long, hard thought about whether or not I needed it prior to going out of service. I ended up excusing it due to a good value, the tariffs, and the increasing likelyhood of needing to do longer visits and help for my parents 600 miles away. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/5 "2024-12-21T00:39:20Z")
Never mind. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/6 "2024-12-21T12:20:41Z")
Our clothes dryer decided to go ahead and die with some sort of electronics issue a few weeks ago, which promped the purchase of a replacement washer/dryer set. The pair were almost 20 years old anyway, but the incoming expected tarriffs added a little extra motivation to replace rather than try to repair. I think electroncs are high on the list of impacted products, but also kitchen and large appliances, as well as toys will be in scope as well. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/7 "2024-12-21T16:10:22Z")
I threw down some cash on additional DDR5 (memory) for my PC and, while I didn’t justify it in my mind because of the tariffs, I still recognized that it was probably better to do it now than in a month. My wife is wondering about replacing her car though I’ve seen differing opinions on that when I look online. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/8 "2024-12-21T16:16:44Z")
Well I had planned too but I just cannot muster the motivation. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/9 "2024-12-21T17:34:00Z")
Previous thread on point: > [@Should we be buying anything ahead of the incoming tariffs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-buying-anything-ahead-of-the-incoming-tariffs/1009907): > > My understanding is businesses are already considering layoffs and cutting bonuses as a way to deal with the upcoming hardships due to the tariffs. As consumers, is there anything we should buy before January 20th? ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/10 "2024-12-21T22:21:28Z")
Coincidental but I did buy an escooter 2 months ago. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/11 "2024-12-21T22:24:26Z")
I bought a hyper-heat mini-split heat pump for our place in Durango. I’m not going to be able to install it until late next Spring, but I’m betting that the price goes up 30% by then. This is what comes from having an uneducated criminal as President. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/12 "2025-02-02T18:35:51Z")
I am bumping this thread as some of us need more advice as to what to buy now. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/13 "2025-02-02T19:42:09Z")
Some of the news stories are talking about cars and auto parts getting more expensive. Wonder if that only affects domestic brands, or also imports? But I guess some of the Japanese brands also make some cars and parts here, so… ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/14 "2025-02-02T19:48:30Z")
Short answer? Nearly all of the major auto manufacturers stand to be hurt: [**Trump’s automotive tariffs would impact nearly all OEMs**](https://www.spglobal.com/mobility/en/research-analysis/trump-automotive-tariffs-impact-automakers-suppliers.html) [![](https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/images/0125/sp-na-production-by-oem-1200_300120251945117.jpg) ](https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/images/0125/sp-na-production-by-oem-1200_300120251945117.jpg) Huh. I don’t see Tesla there. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it … ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/15 "2025-02-02T19:51:22Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Huh. I don’t see Tesla there. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it … Heh, guess “[Made in China](https://cnevpost.com/2024/10/11/tesla-3-millionth-china-made-car-off-line/)” is the new “Made in the USA”. * * * And thanks for the chart! I wonder where Subaru would fit in there. My partner’s 20-year-old one is due for an change… ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/16 "2025-02-02T19:59:59Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > I wonder where Subaru would fit in there. Subaru manufactures in Japan and the US (Indiana). A quick glance didn’t uncover to what degree they assemble components _made in_ either Mexico or Canada, though. > **[Where Are Subaru Vehicles Made? | Subaru](https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-info/articles/where-is-subaru-made.html)** > > Uncover the rich history of Subaru and delve into the pivotal role of the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant in the brand's global presence and success. Subaru may simply _not_ rely materially on sourcing components from Canada _or_ Mexico. But … I’d expect that domestic businesses, or – at least – those not _directly_ impacted by the tariffs – will probably ratchet up _their_ prices in response to other prices in their respective industries rising. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/17 "2025-02-02T20:05:56Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Some of the news stories are talking about cars and auto parts getting more expensive. “More expensive”? There’s some question about whether there will **even be** an auto industry, considering how tightly Canadian and American automaking is integrated. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/18 "2025-02-02T20:08:35Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > There’s some question about whether there will **even be** an auto industry, considering how tightly Canadian and American automaking is integrated. Oh? I had no idea they were so closely linked. Womp womp. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/19 "2025-02-02T20:16:15Z")
Cars and their parts, both aftermarket parts and those components used to assemble cars, are a critically important part of the longstanding Canada-US free trade agreement because of that integration, which agreement the Orange Felon has illegally scuttled. With so many parts going back and forth in the supply chain, it’s essentially impossible to say whether a car was “built in Canada” or “built in the USA” because it’s really both. But it’s likely to be simpler now – they won’t be built anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936/20 "2025-02-02T20:18:01Z")
Australia decided to get rid of their domestic auto industry. It does not seem ideal or desirable. But they managed. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-products-before-tariffs-kick-in/1011936.md?page=2)