American shoppers are rushing to stockpile household essentials as former U.S. President Donald Trump's new import tariffs approach, triggering fears of inflation and supply chain disruptions reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thomas Jennings, a 53-year-old New Jersey resident, loaded his Walmart cart with canned goods, flour, and juices ahead of Wednesday's tariff rollout. "There's a recession coming," he told Reuters, echoing sentiments shared by many consumers anticipating higher retail prices. At Costco, bulk purchases of water and dry goods have surged, with shoppers like retired professional Angelo Barrio filling basements with months-long supplies of toothpaste, rice, and soap.
The Tax Foundation estimates the tariffs could cost U.S. households $2,100 annually by 2025. Supply chain expert Manish Kapoor warns of "panic stockpiling," drawing parallels to pandemic-era shortages. Retail giants Walmart and Costco have yet to comment on inventory trends.
While economists debate the long-term impact, consumers like Barrio remain pragmatic: "If prices spike, at least we're prepared."
