Big Changes Are Coming: How to Prepare for Sweeping Tariffs and Rising Costs

Big changes are on the horizon, and they’re coming fast. Recently announced sweeping tariffs on goods from over 100 countries are about to hit consumers where it hurts most: their wallets. Everyday products are poised to become significantly more expensive—and in some cases, harder to find. But there’s good news: if you act now, before these new prices take effect, you can soften the blow. In this article, I’ll break down 10 essential product categories worth stocking up on while shelves are still stocked and prices remain reasonable. Whether your goal is to save money, protect your home, or reduce reliance on strained supply chains, this guide will help you stay one step ahead.

I’m Chris, and I focus on emergency preparedness—often called “prepping.” Just before sitting down to write this, I spoke with friends who, after hearing about the tariffs, asked me, “What should we stock up on before things get pricier?” That’s exactly what I’ll address here. But first, a quick note: soon, we’ll be launching our Self-Sufficient Backyard Course, designed to help you take control by producing some of your own food, harvesting water, and setting up energy backups—all from your own yard. It’s a practical way to combat rising costs and shortages. Sign up via the link below to be notified when it goes live, and you’ll also get a free downloadable guide. Now, let’s dive in.

1. Personal Hygiene Products

Start with the essentials you use daily. Many hygiene products are manufactured overseas or rely on imported materials, making them prime targets for price hikes. Stock up on:

• Soap (bars or liquid)

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Deodorant

• Razors and shaving cream

• Feminine hygiene products

• Toilet paper and tissues

These items are non-perishable, easy to store, and universally needed. Even a modest price increase makes buying now a smart move.

2. Generic Medications and First Aid Supplies

The U.S. imports 70-80% of its generic drug ingredients from countries like China and India—both hit by these tariffs. Consider stocking:

• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

• Cold and flu medications

• Allergy relief

• Antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide, iodine)

• Bandages, gauze, and wraps

• Thermometers and basic medical tools

• Personal prescriptions (where possible)

A small disruption in pharmaceutical imports could lead to shortages. A well-stocked first aid kit and a few months’ worth of essentials can be a lifesaver.

3. Electronics and Accessories

From smartphones to batteries, many electronics depend on foreign parts. Stock up on:

• Power banks

• Flashlights and headlamps

• Batteries (AA, AAA, D, etc.)

• Phone charging cables

• Surge protectors

• Small appliances (electric kettles, fans)

These items often see rapid price spikes during tariff increases and are vulnerable to supply chain issues due to reliance on rare earth elements and chipsets.

4. Vehicle Parts and Maintenance Supplies

Even if your car is assembled domestically, many replacement parts come from overseas. Get ahead by stocking:

• Motor oil and oil filters

• Wiper blades

• Air and cabin filters

• Brake pads

• Spark plugs

• Fuses and bulbs

• Basic tools and fluids

Whether you handle your own maintenance or not, having these consumables on hand can save money and time as prices climb.

5. Durable Clothing and Footwear

Clothing from countries like Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China—now facing heavy tariffs—will get pricier. Invest in:

• Durable work boots

• Rain gear

• Winter coats

• Thermal underwear

• Socks and gloves

• Heavy-duty pants or overalls

These items last, and buying quality now (especially in kids’ sizes for growing families) can dodge inflation and supply shortages.

6. Household Cleaning Products

Like hygiene items, cleaning supplies are daily essentials vulnerable to cost increases due to imported chemicals and packaging. Stock:

• Laundry detergent

• Dish soap

• Bleach and disinfectants

• Surface cleaners

• Sponges, scrubbers, and gloves

• Trash bags

Add an extra bottle of each to your grocery trips for a few weeks—it’s low-cost insurance.

7. Consumable Tools and Hardware

Most tools and hardware rely on imported metals or overseas manufacturing. Prepare with:

• Screws, nails, nuts, and bolts

• Tape (duct, electrical, plumbing)

• Wrenches, hammers, and pliers

• Extra tool blades and drill bits

• Plumbing fittings and caulk

• Superglue and epoxy

Focus on what you’ll use for home or yard repairs to avoid depending on store runs during shortages.

8. Shelf-Stable Food Staples

Food prices are already climbing due to global instability, and tariffs on imported food and agricultural inputs will push them higher. Stock:

• Rice, oats, pasta, and flour

• Canned meats, soups, and beans

• Shelf-stable powdered milk

• Cooking oils and spices

• Sugar, salt, and baking soda

• Freeze-dried meals or MREs

Aim for a 90-day supply of what your family eats. Store it cool, dry, and organized, and rotate it regularly.

9. Power Backup and Energy Resilience Gear

With tariffs affecting electronics and renewables, backup system prices may soar. Consider:

• Solar panels and inverters

• Deep-cycle batteries

• Power stations and solar generators

• Extension cords and transfer switches

• Flashlights and solar lights

• Small gas or dual-fuel generators

Even a modest setup can keep you powered during blackouts or storms—don’t wait for shortages.

10. Light Bulbs and Home Essentials

These aren’t glamorous, but they’re critical. Many are made overseas and vanish quickly during disruptions. Stock:

• LED light bulbs

• Extension cords

• Air and water filters

• Smoke detector batteries

• Surge protectors

• Simple replacement parts (faucets, filters)

A few extras now mean fewer headaches later.

A Moment to Reflect

This list might feel overwhelming, but it’s not about doing everything at once. We’re in a season of change—a signal that the global systems delivering cheap, abundant goods are being stress-tested and, in some cases, restructured. These tariffs, whether ultimately beneficial or not, are already impacting us. Resilience starts at home—not in Washington or on Wall Street—but with the choices you make today: what to stock, what to build, how to manage resources, and how to plan for tomorrow.

You don’t need a remote cabin—just awareness and action. Every roll of tape, bottle of soap, flashlight, or can of food you set aside is a vote for your future stability. Preparing doesn’t just protect you; it makes you a resource for your community, an example of calm and focus. As the saying goes, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This isn’t about fear—it’s about readiness.

Take Action Now

Take stock of what you have, make a list, set a budget, and start small but smart. Buy what fits your life, household, and income. As prices rise and products thin out, you’ll have options—real peace of mind and freedom. You’ve got this.

What do you think? Hawkins? Have feedback or ideas to add? Let me know—I’d love to hear from you, and others can learn from your insights too. Stay safe out there!

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