How to Prepare for Tariff-Related Inventory Shortages and Price Increases

For months, experts have been warning Americans about the possible repercussions of the Trump Administration’s tariffs. Two of those repercussions are inventory shortages and rising prices on products.

On April 30, 2025, CBS News reported that at the Port of Los Angeles—one of the two major gateways that handle about 40% of all Asian imports—shipments fell 10% last week compared to the same time last year. CNBC reported on April 29th that the “Port of Los Angeles says shipping volume will plummet 35% next week as China tariffs start to bite”. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, said American retailers have about 5-7 weeks of full inventories left.

Many experts suggest Americans start preparing for these inventory shortages and price hikes. I’ve compiled a list of things you may want to buy an extra or two of the next time you place an order or head to the store.

I’ve read reports that the key time for potential shortages is mid-May, which is only two weeks away. I’ve also read where someone whose job is in operations/supply chains said they’re telling wholesale customers to buy everything before July. They also said they don’t recall this type of internal panic during COVID.

But just like in spring 2020, don’t panic. Don’t hoard.

Products Made with Plastic Packaging

If you buy a product made with any plastic packaging (container, lid/cap, dispenser, etc), the packaging most likely came from China. So think of items you use regularly that contain plastic packaging. If plastic is involved, I’d buy a couple extra of those items.

Also, remember to purchase items your kids use.

Cleaning Supplies

paper towels
laundry detergent
stain remover
bleach
dryer sheets
hand soap
dish soap
dishwasher soap & rinse aid
all purpose household cleaner
toilet cleaner
vinegar
sponges & brushes

Personal Care Items

toilet paper
shampoo & conditioner
hair styling products
soap / body wash
toothpaste & toothbrushes
floss
mouthwash
deodorant
razors & refills
shave gel
feminine hygiene products
diapers & diaper wipes
lotion
facial cleanser
daily skincare routine products
makeup
sunscreen
cotton swabs / pads
band aids
facial tissues

OTC Medications

allergy medication (Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.)
allergy nasal spray (Flonase, Nasacort, etc.)
antacids
pain relief
children’s fever/pain relief
birth control (Opill)
Plan B (available at Costco for $6 without prescription and membership)
vitamins

Shelf-Stable Foods

canned foods– vegetables, fruit, meat, beans
coffee, tea
nut butters
dried goods like pasta, rice, oats
cereal
oatmeal
condiments (I bought a 3-pack of ketchup at Costco last week.)
mac & cheese
stock– chicken, vegetable, beef
shelf-stable milk
flour, sugar
baking powder, baking soda
salt, pepper

Frozen Foods

meat — chicken, ground turkey, beef, fish, etc.
chicken nuggets (remember, these are packaged in plastic bags which are likely manufactured in China)
vegetables, fruits
bread
tortillas
butter
cheese (sliced, shredded, etc.)
breakfast foods

Automotive

wiper blades
wiper fluid
cabin filter(s)
car washing supplies

Pets

food
medication
accessories

Misc.

Batteries — AA, AAA, etc. (I buy ours at Costco.)

Think Ahead

Think about things you will need the rest of the year. Think of the seasons. Are you planning a vacation? Will you need new towels or sheets this year?

Kids

Kids can grow at an alarming rate. Think of things your kids might need in the next year or so.

clothing in the next size up (pants, tops, pajamas, underwear, socks, etc.)
backpack, lunch box
winter coat, boots, hats, gloves
shoes
sports gear (cleats, shin guards, ball, bat, glove, etc.) I like looking for kid sports gear on FBMP.
bike helmet

School Supplies

Back-to-school shopping starts in about two months for those who go back to school in early August. Now may be a good time to buy some school supplies. Because if there are shortages, back-to-school shopping could be rather chaotic. Keep this in mind when your kid brings home their school supplies at the end of the school year in May and June. Keep supplies that have more life left in them and reuse them. Test all the markers.

Home Improvement

Wanting to make any changes to your house this year? Now would be the time to buy the necessary items for your home improvement project(s).

We’d like to upgrade our bathroom exhaust fans from the crappy ones our builder installed. So we’re planning on buying a few exhaust fans now and installing them when we have the time.

Birthday & Christmas Items

I’ve read a couple reports saying Christmas could be painful this year. If you currently have the extra funds and the storage space, it might be a good idea to grab a couple things you think your kids would enjoy for their birthday and/or the holidays later this year. Keep in mind that 77% of toys sold in the US are imported from China.

Bidet?

Perhaps consider buying a bidet attachment for your toilet so you can save on toilet paper.

Links

If you’ll be purchasing any of these items online, whether you get them delivered or you do a drive-up order, I’ll link to different retailers below. If you make your purchase through any of the links, I will earn a small commission on whatever you buy, which I greatly appreciate. If you don’t see a retailer you’re looking for, you can head to my affiliate page where more are listed.