Donald Trump may have launched his new trade war with talk of punishing luxury imports, but the impact is drifting much closer to home. As the latest wave of global tariffs begins taking effect—with a base rate of 10% from Saturday—American consumers are bracing for price hikes on everything from fashion accessories to fridge staples.
While some items may seem niche or indulgent, they’re part of daily routines and cultural habits that touch millions of households. And the costs are set to climb.
Eyeing a price hike: Sunglasses and optical fashion
Ray-Ban Aviators may be an iconic part of Joe Biden’s public image, but the future of looking cool might get pricier. Despite their deep American associations—from the US Army Air Corps to Top Gun—most Ray-Bans are made in a remote Italian mountain village.
EssilorLuxottica SA, the eyewear titan behind Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Vogue Eyewear, racked up nearly €12 billion in North American sales last year, as reported by Bloomberg. Now, as European Union goods face a looming 20% tariff, those stylish frames could soon come with a sharper price tag.
Your morning cup costs more: Nespresso under fire
Those sleek little Nespresso capsules—crucial to many morning routines—are all manufactured in just three Swiss facilities. But Switzerland, not being in the EU, faces an even harsher tariff of 31% on its exports to the US.
With Nestlé reporting global sales of 6.4 billion Swiss francs in 2024 for its Nespresso line, a chunk of that now hangs in the balance, as reported by Bloomberg. It’s likely American coffee lovers will see the price of convenience go up.
Wigs and lashes: Tariffs hit the unexpected
Behind closed doors, another industry is bracing for shock. China accounts for 70% of the world’s sex toy production—and the US remains its biggest buyer.
That same dominance applies to wigs and false eyelashes, with China holding around 80% of the global hair accessories market, according to Xinhua News Agency. With 34% tariffs on Chinese goods and 26% on Indian ones, even private pleasures and beauty essentials aren’t immune.
Beauty comes at a cost: Botox may not escape
Botox might be known as the beauty industry’s miracle wrinkle-fighter, but tariffs could soon turn it into a pricier indulgence. Pharmaceutical products haven’t yet been hit directly, but concern is mounting.
AbbVie Inc., the maker of Botox, manufactures the product in tightly secured facilities in Westport, Ireland. “Any price increases from tariffs will hit US consumers as Botox for aesthetic purposes isn’t covered by insurance,” experts note. AbbVie clocked $1.7 billion in Botox cosmetic sales last year alone.
Smart, sleek, expensive: The Oura ring
Oura Rings—tiny, minimalist trackers worn by health-conscious consumers—might soon carry a premium. Oura Health Oy, the Finnish firm behind the ring, recently launched its fourth version with a starting price of $349.
As tariffs hit Europe harder, and costs rise for precision electronics, even the smart accessories designed to improve your sleep and wellness could hit your wallet harder.
Medical costs on the rise: Hospital beds and healthcare tech
Healthcare’s already steep bills could swell even more. Czech firm Linet Group, a key exporter of advanced hospital beds, says it will raise prices for future US contracts.
“Tariffs are forcing us to focus on high-end products,” said CEO Tomas Kolar. That means added costs for US hospitals and patients alike. America is already grappling with its expensive healthcare system—and a 20% hit on hospital equipment won’t help.
Birkenstocks: Comfort meets commerce
While some companies are better positioned to cushion the blow, even iconic German sandal brand Birkenstock is watching the tariff situation closely.
“Historically we’ve had the ability to take pricing action globally,” executives told investors on a recent earnings call, hinting that price increases may be spread across markets—not just in the US. With the Americas being Birkenstock’s biggest market (€950 million in revenue last year), US consumers could still end up footing part of the bill.
Toys, shoes and clothes: Kids won’t be spared
Children’s toys, sneakers and back-to-school clothes could all see a bump. The Toy Association says that 77% of all toys sold in the US come from China, and with 54% tariffs looming, that’s a big deal.
“It’s just not an industry that is built to be able to manage through a tariff of that magnitude,” said Greg Ahearn, CEO of the trade group. He warned prices on Chinese-made toys could rise by at least 30% by late summer.
Clothing is no better. Imports from China and Vietnam—worth $28 billion combined—are being hit, alongside other countries like Bangladesh and India, with tariffs ranging from 26% to 49%.
Laptops, tablets, and everything with a chip
The tech you use every day—laptops, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers—may not escape unscathed. Last year, the US imported $47.2 billion worth of laptops and tablets from China, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Ed Brzytwa, VP of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association, warned: “It will likely take three to four months for current retail inventories to dry up. Consumers could start to see prices go up just in time for the back-to-school shopping season and the holidays.”
Semiconductors, mostly sourced from Taiwan, are in everything from cars to LED lightbulbs. Even a modest tariff could have a big ripple.
The grocery run just got pricier
Beyond gadgets and accessories, it’s the grocery aisle where many Americans will truly feel the squeeze. The USDA reports that US food prices have climbed nearly 24% since 2020. From January 2024 to January 2025, grocery prices alone rose 2.5%, and the next year could see another 3.3% increase.
Let’s break it down:
Eggs
Up 53% year-on-year. Bird flu has decimated flocks, but the rise has been so dramatic that the Department of Justice launched an investigation into potential price manipulation.
Chicken
Up by about 40 cents per pound since 2019. Wing prices have fallen slightly, but popular cuts like thighs and breasts are trending up.
Ground Beef
Costs have jumped 33.9% since 2019, with a 7.2% spike in 2024 alone. Drought, fewer farmers, and rising feed costs are to blame.
Coffee
An 80% surge in price year-on-year. Droughts in Brazil and floods in Vietnam are hammering supply.
Milk
The average gallon has jumped from $2.91 in 2019 to $4.10 by late 2024. Prices are expected to stay high due to supply not meeting demand.
Orange Juice
Up more than 13% in 2024, with less juice per bottle. Thanks to bad weather and disease, orange groves—especially in Brazil—are producing less.
Potato Chips
Prices rising steadily, even as the bags look suspiciously airy.
Trump’s tariff blitz isn’t just about economic muscle—it’s political theatre. But behind the scenes, markets are unsettled, supply chains are in flux, and households are being asked to pay more for the same.
As these tariffs ripple through supply chains, they’re creating quiet inflation. And while some companies will absorb costs, many more will pass them on. From coffee and clothes to chips and chargers, American shoppers may soon be left wondering: was the trade war worth the checkout bill?
(With inputs from TOI)
While some items may seem niche or indulgent, they’re part of daily routines and cultural habits that touch millions of households. And the costs are set to climb.
Eyeing a price hike: Sunglasses and optical fashion
Ray-Ban Aviators may be an iconic part of Joe Biden’s public image, but the future of looking cool might get pricier. Despite their deep American associations—from the US Army Air Corps to Top Gun—most Ray-Bans are made in a remote Italian mountain village.
EssilorLuxottica SA, the eyewear titan behind Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Vogue Eyewear, racked up nearly €12 billion in North American sales last year, as reported by Bloomberg. Now, as European Union goods face a looming 20% tariff, those stylish frames could soon come with a sharper price tag.
Your morning cup costs more: Nespresso under fire
Those sleek little Nespresso capsules—crucial to many morning routines—are all manufactured in just three Swiss facilities. But Switzerland, not being in the EU, faces an even harsher tariff of 31% on its exports to the US.
With Nestlé reporting global sales of 6.4 billion Swiss francs in 2024 for its Nespresso line, a chunk of that now hangs in the balance, as reported by Bloomberg. It’s likely American coffee lovers will see the price of convenience go up.
Wigs and lashes: Tariffs hit the unexpected
Behind closed doors, another industry is bracing for shock. China accounts for 70% of the world’s sex toy production—and the US remains its biggest buyer.
That same dominance applies to wigs and false eyelashes, with China holding around 80% of the global hair accessories market, according to Xinhua News Agency. With 34% tariffs on Chinese goods and 26% on Indian ones, even private pleasures and beauty essentials aren’t immune.
Beauty comes at a cost: Botox may not escape
Botox might be known as the beauty industry’s miracle wrinkle-fighter, but tariffs could soon turn it into a pricier indulgence. Pharmaceutical products haven’t yet been hit directly, but concern is mounting.
AbbVie Inc., the maker of Botox, manufactures the product in tightly secured facilities in Westport, Ireland. “Any price increases from tariffs will hit US consumers as Botox for aesthetic purposes isn’t covered by insurance,” experts note. AbbVie clocked $1.7 billion in Botox cosmetic sales last year alone.
Smart, sleek, expensive: The Oura ring
Oura Rings—tiny, minimalist trackers worn by health-conscious consumers—might soon carry a premium. Oura Health Oy, the Finnish firm behind the ring, recently launched its fourth version with a starting price of $349.
As tariffs hit Europe harder, and costs rise for precision electronics, even the smart accessories designed to improve your sleep and wellness could hit your wallet harder.
Medical costs on the rise: Hospital beds and healthcare tech
Healthcare’s already steep bills could swell even more. Czech firm Linet Group, a key exporter of advanced hospital beds, says it will raise prices for future US contracts.
“Tariffs are forcing us to focus on high-end products,” said CEO Tomas Kolar. That means added costs for US hospitals and patients alike. America is already grappling with its expensive healthcare system—and a 20% hit on hospital equipment won’t help.
Birkenstocks: Comfort meets commerce
While some companies are better positioned to cushion the blow, even iconic German sandal brand Birkenstock is watching the tariff situation closely.
“Historically we’ve had the ability to take pricing action globally,” executives told investors on a recent earnings call, hinting that price increases may be spread across markets—not just in the US. With the Americas being Birkenstock’s biggest market (€950 million in revenue last year), US consumers could still end up footing part of the bill.
Toys, shoes and clothes: Kids won’t be spared
Children’s toys, sneakers and back-to-school clothes could all see a bump. The Toy Association says that 77% of all toys sold in the US come from China, and with 54% tariffs looming, that’s a big deal.
“It’s just not an industry that is built to be able to manage through a tariff of that magnitude,” said Greg Ahearn, CEO of the trade group. He warned prices on Chinese-made toys could rise by at least 30% by late summer.
Clothing is no better. Imports from China and Vietnam—worth $28 billion combined—are being hit, alongside other countries like Bangladesh and India, with tariffs ranging from 26% to 49%.
Laptops, tablets, and everything with a chip
The tech you use every day—laptops, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers—may not escape unscathed. Last year, the US imported $47.2 billion worth of laptops and tablets from China, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Ed Brzytwa, VP of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association, warned: “It will likely take three to four months for current retail inventories to dry up. Consumers could start to see prices go up just in time for the back-to-school shopping season and the holidays.”
Semiconductors, mostly sourced from Taiwan, are in everything from cars to LED lightbulbs. Even a modest tariff could have a big ripple.
The grocery run just got pricier
Beyond gadgets and accessories, it’s the grocery aisle where many Americans will truly feel the squeeze. The USDA reports that US food prices have climbed nearly 24% since 2020. From January 2024 to January 2025, grocery prices alone rose 2.5%, and the next year could see another 3.3% increase.
Let’s break it down:
Eggs
Up 53% year-on-year. Bird flu has decimated flocks, but the rise has been so dramatic that the Department of Justice launched an investigation into potential price manipulation.
Chicken
Up by about 40 cents per pound since 2019. Wing prices have fallen slightly, but popular cuts like thighs and breasts are trending up.
Ground Beef
Costs have jumped 33.9% since 2019, with a 7.2% spike in 2024 alone. Drought, fewer farmers, and rising feed costs are to blame.
Coffee
An 80% surge in price year-on-year. Droughts in Brazil and floods in Vietnam are hammering supply.
Milk
The average gallon has jumped from $2.91 in 2019 to $4.10 by late 2024. Prices are expected to stay high due to supply not meeting demand.
Orange Juice
Up more than 13% in 2024, with less juice per bottle. Thanks to bad weather and disease, orange groves—especially in Brazil—are producing less.
Potato Chips
Prices rising steadily, even as the bags look suspiciously airy.
Trump’s tariff blitz isn’t just about economic muscle—it’s political theatre. But behind the scenes, markets are unsettled, supply chains are in flux, and households are being asked to pay more for the same.
As these tariffs ripple through supply chains, they’re creating quiet inflation. And while some companies will absorb costs, many more will pass them on. From coffee and clothes to chips and chargers, American shoppers may soon be left wondering: was the trade war worth the checkout bill?
(With inputs from TOI)
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