Tariffs are often associated with rising prices—but that’s not always the case. When sweeping import tariffs took effect in April 2025—including a steep 125% rate on Chinese goods—most assumed prices would surge.
And for many items, they did. But hidden beneath the surface are categories where prices could actually fall, thanks to market adaptation, shifting supply chains, and clever exemptions. Some manufacturers move operations or adjust strategies to stay competitive, and others gain ground in the post-tariff economy.
Understanding these shifts can help consumers navigate this changing landscape, identifying where savings might unexpectedly appear—even during a time of rising trade barriers.
1. Gasoline
Americans may soon see relief at the gas pump as crude oil prices fall sharply. U.S. crude dipped below $60 per barrel—its lowest in four years—after tariff tensions rattled global markets. Experts say this drop could lower gasoline prices by 15 cents per gallon in the coming weeks.
Although refineries recently switched to more expensive summer-blend fuel, the fall in oil prices is expected to offset typical seasonal price hikes. If low crude prices persist, this summer could bring the cheapest gas costs seen since the early Trump administration or even the COVID-19 pandemic years.
2. Smartphones With Special Exemptions
Smartphone buyers avoided major price hikes thanks to targeted exemptions. In April 2025, President Trump excluded smartphones, computers, chips, and related electronics from the highest tariffs on Chinese imports. Without this exemption, analysts warned iPhones could have hit $2,300 due to the 125% tariff.
While these products still face a general 20% import tariff, the carve-out from the harsher rate offered crucial relief. This move avoided what one expert described as “dark days ahead” for tech consumers. For now, this exemption helps keep prices relatively stable—especially compared to goods that weren’t spared from the steep new trade penalties.
3. Television Sets From Non-Chinese Manufacturers
Television prices reveal how global manufacturing strategy can help sidestep tariffs. While some TVs face steep increases—up to 10 cents more per watt—brands like TCL operate in over 30 countries. Many of these locations are only subject to the baseline 10% tariff, not the harsher 125% rate. This flexibility allows manufacturers to shift production to avoid tariff-heavy regions, maintaining competitive prices.
Historically, TV prices have plummeted—down 99% for 40-inch models over 25 years—showing just how resilient and adaptive this sector is. As producers adjust operations, non-Chinese-made TVs may remain more affordable despite the current round of trade penalties.
4. Secondary Market Appliances
Tariffs on new appliances often push consumers toward the secondary market, where prices remain more stable. When tariffs hit washing machines in 2018, new models rose roughly 12% in price, widening the gap between new and refurbished items. A similar dynamic is playing out again. As fresh tariffs drive up appliance costs, the value of used or refurbished machines becomes more appealing.
Consumers willing to explore this market can sidestep steep markups while still getting reliable products. In this context, “price drops” aren’t always about falling tags—they’re about relative value compared to rising costs in the new-product category.
5. U.S.-Made Textiles
Domestic textiles could become more price-attractive as tariffs hit imports hard. In February 2025, the Trump administration announced a 25% tariff on apparel from Canada and Mexico, and another 10% on goods from China.
Given that 98% of U.S. clothing is imported, this creates a sudden shift. Historical data from 2015–2024 shows that such increases can actually lead to lower U.S. retail prices under certain conditions.
Specifically, “a one-standard-deviation increase in tariffs would lead to approximately a 0.82–2.33 standard deviation decrease in U.S. apparel retail prices.” This shift may offer domestic manufacturers a rare price advantage in a globalized market.
6. American-Assembled Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles built in the U.S. may become a better deal as foreign EVs face new costs. Battery imports—especially those reliant on global supply chains—are expected to rise in price by up to 15% due to recent tariffs. In contrast, American-made EVs using domestic components could remain more stable.
While overall prices may still trend upward, the difference between domestic and imported vehicles will likely widen, making American models a relatively better value. This shifting landscape favors local production and could prompt buyers to reconsider their options—especially as tariffs increasingly reshape the costs of going electric.
7. Solar Equipment From Diversified Suppliers
Solar gear from manufacturers with global operations may dodge the worst tariff impacts. With a new 125% tariff on Chinese imports—particularly affecting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)—companies that already moved operations outside China now stand to benefit. Producers sourcing parts from countries only subject to the 10% baseline tariff can offer more competitive pricing.
While most solar panels will still cost 3–4 cents more per watt, the industry is seeing a new price gap between tariff-heavy and tariff-light suppliers. Consumers seeking solar solutions will find better value in panels and batteries sourced from diversified or reshored production networks.
How Tariffs Shape Unpredictable Price Paths
Tariffs often spark immediate price jumps—but longer-term effects can be surprising. Washing machine prices spiked 12% in 2018 after new tariffs, yet fell significantly after the tariffs expired. Adaptations like relocating manufacturing, substituting products, or changing suppliers play a key role. Some products even experience indirect effects: dryer prices rose with washing machines, despite not being tariffed.
This suggests that related goods can climb in tandem. The ripple effect of tariffs extends beyond targeted items, and understanding these ripple patterns can help buyers anticipate price movements. In a volatile pricing environment, consumers benefit from learning how markets respond over time.
Smart Shopping Around Tariffs Saves Money
Buying at the right moment can make a major difference in tariff-driven markets. Experts suggest acting fast on big purchases like solar installations, noting it’s “the lowest cost layers we’ll see in 2025.”
On the flip side, waiting pays off for other goods—like washing machines, which saw an 11% drop after tariff expiration. Knowing when to spend and when to wait is key. Smart shoppers will grab tariff-exempt items before prices shift, and hold off on buying heavily tariffed goods until markets adjust.
A thoughtful strategy can stretch your budget while navigating the uncertainty of evolving trade policies.
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