Retailers are now warning consumers that there will be a shortage of items across the United States. The most common reasons for the shortage are extreme weather, labor shortages and an escalating trade war the U.S. has against the world.
Here’s a glimpse at 19 common items that will likely be gone or at least hard to come by in 2025, and reasons why.
1. Olive Oil
The prolonged drought in Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, has devastated olive harvests, cutting down production by up to 60%. Spain, as one of the U.S.’s leading suppliers of olive oil, the loss is having a substantial impact on imports. While there is olive oil production in the U.S., it accounts for just 5% of what’s consumed in the country.
2. Coffee
More than 99% of the coffee we drink is imported, and with Brazil, the biggest coffee producer in the world, being hit by a devastating drought and extreme heat, it’s sending coffee prices skyward. The 2024 crop was down 10-15%, compared to the best years, and prospects for 2025 indicate further struggle.
3. Plastic Household Products
Items like plastic storage bins, food containers, and drawer organizers are increasingly hard to find due to high tariffs on Chinese imports. These goods often rely on inexpensive overseas manufacturing and petroleum-based materials, both of which are now affected by international policy shifts. Prices are rising, and major retailers report delayed shipments and lower inventory.
4. Household Cleaning Products
Cleaning sprays, disinfectant wipes, and sanitizers are disappearing quickly due to limited access to packaging components like spray nozzles and bottles, which are mostly produced in China. Some active cleaning agents are also harder to source due to disrupted chemical supply chains.
5. Pet Supplies
Pet toys, grooming tools, collars, and feeding bowls, especially those that are plastic or rubber, are being understocked at many stores. The majority of pet gear is made in China and Southeast Asia, where increasing shipping expenses and U.S. tariff have restricted supply.
6. Cardboard & Packaging Materials
Countless boxes, mailers, packing tape and bubble wrap are becoming more expensive and harder to find. The packaging industry is pinched between global shortages of pulp, lower recycling levels and surging demand from e-commerce and small business shipping.
7. Electronics
Due to ongoing semiconductor chip shortages, consumer electronics like laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart home devices remain in short supply. While demand has returned to regular, post-pandemic levels, production has not kept up. Domestic suppliers will also be affected by tariffs on products from China, as many depend on made-in-China parts.
8. Personal Care Items (Toothpaste, Shampoo, Soap)
Many personal care products rely on ingredients and packaging from China. The 145% tariff has led to withdrawals of several Chinese brands, causing shortages and price increases on everyday hygiene essentials.
9. Wine and Spirits
Rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions have made it increasingly difficult to find imported alcoholic beverages, both wines and spirits. A spate of wildfires and record heat waves in American and European vineyards has wiped out as much as 40 percent of grape yields.
10. Toys
Toys, most of which are made in China, will face shortages because of steep tariffs and disrupted supply chains. Retailers have reduced pre-orders, leading to limited availability, especially during the holiday season. This has resulted in fewer restocks, scaled-down product assortments, and noticeable price increases.
11. Home Goods
Products like storage bins, home furniture, and decorations are experiencing lower availability. These products are usually manufactured in China, and the tariffs have made it more costly to import. Stores are transferring the higher costs to consumers, thus recording higher prices and lower inventory on shelves.
12. Fresh Produce
Imported fruits like avocados, bananas and berries are getting more expensive and more scarce. The drought in Latin America and higher shipping charges from South American exporters have led to a decline in fruit imports. Meanwhile, domestic growers face increasing water costs, limited migrant workers and logistical bottlenecks.
13. Clothing & Footwear
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Retailers are struggling to keep seasonal fashion and basics in stock due to delays in textile imports and slower overseas garment manufacturing. Footwear in particular might face production cuts. Back-to-school and holiday seasons are expected to see particularly lean inventories.
14. Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels)
Supplies of paper products are tightening, which is due to material shortages. U.S. production depends heavily on imported wood pulp from Canada and South America. With increased tariffs and shipping constraints, pulp prices have surged, limiting domestic manufacturing.
15. Medical Supplies
Common over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and allergy relief tablets are more difficult to obtain because of pharmaceutical ingredient shortages and production limits in India and China. Basic medical equipment such as gloves, masks, and thermometers are also short because global manufacturing pipelines are under pressure.
16. Chocolate
Due to the climate, West African cocoa is suffering from crop disease and stress. Retailers have paid higher wholesale prices for the cocoa, passing on the costs to consumers. Consumers will likely see fewer promotions and discounts on chocolate products, as well as low availability of some brands or types.
17. Batteries (AA, AAA, Rechargeable)
Household batteries, especially AA, AAA, and lithium coin cells, in use for toys, remotes, and medical devices will be more difficult to buy. The reason for that is the worldwide demand for lithium and cobalt, the two main minerals for production of batteries. These minerals are being diverted to the fast-expanding electric vehicle and renewable power sectors, where they have higher profit margins.
18. Baby Diapers
Diaper makers are seeing increased production costs and restricted access to materials. Superabsorbent polymers and plastics used in diapers come from petroleum-based sources, which have seen volatility in global supply. In addition, there is a lack of availability of packaging, which is also restricting distribution.
19. Seasonal Items (e.g., Fireworks, Holiday Decor)
Independence Day fireworks, Halloween decorations and Christmas lights are in short supply because of bottlenecks at overseas ports and heightened customs scrutiny. These products are mostly made in China, and their importers are either reducing their orders or switching to smaller, more expensive batches.
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