Since Trump began introducing tariffs on goods imported from countries like China and Canada, consumers have seen prices steadily climb.
The ongoing policy shifts have made it difficult for shoppers and retailers alike to plan ahead. The result is what economists are calling tariff fatigue: a gradual dip in consumer spending as frustrated shoppers pull back, delay purchases or forgo them altogether.
Even if you're not tracking trade policy, these tariffs may already be affecting your day-to-day spending in ways you haven't noticed.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How tariff fatigue is shaping consumer spending
U.S. tariffs in 2025 have been confusing, to say the least. Retailers have slashed orders from China amid ongoing trade uncertainty, sparking warnings of bare shelves and even rumors of a potential toy shortage this holiday season. Prices are already climbing, and retailers like Walmart and Amazon have acknowledged price increases.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, tariff fatigue is setting in and contributing to a decline in consumer spending. Retail and food services sales dropped 0.9% in May compared to April, which itself saw a 1% decline from March.
While the decreases may seem modest, they suggest that American consumers are beginning to pull back, and steeper tariffs could lead to even greater cutbacks in the months ahead.
How consumers are responding to U.S. tariffs in 2025
A Numerator Tariff Impact Survey, which was conducted in April, identified how consumers are changing their buying behavior because of the tariffs. The survey found that 83% of shoppers planned to make changes to their finances or shopping behaviors.
Among those changes, 43% of respondents look for sales or coupons to help offset price increases, and 32% of respondents planned to delay making a purchase until after the prices stabilize.
Additionally, 32% of respondents planned to buy fewer imported goods, while 25% planned to buy U.S.-made alternatives to the products they normally used.
How to cope with tariff uncertainty
The back-and-forth nature of the tariffs has made it difficult for consumers to plan their shopping and strategically respond.
While tariff fatigue might have you feeling frustrated and wanting to cut back on your shopping, there are still ways to save money and get the best deals during your summertime shopping.
- Stock up. Given the uncertainty of Trump’s approach to the tariffs, it’s possible that he might implement more or higher tariffs this summer that could drive up prices in the fall. If you know you’ll need to buy certain items, like school supplies or a new computer, it could pay off to stock up now to avoid any higher prices later on.
- Buy used. Consider heading to your local consignment shop for clothing purchases, or shop on Facebook Marketplace for local deals on items. You can also find deals on thrifting websites like Poshmark and ThredUp, though shipping costs will reduce your savings.
- Look for sales. Many retailers hold summer sales, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July. Amazon Prime Day will take place from July 8 through July 11 this year, and you may be able to find good tech deals. As sales approach, do some comparison shopping to determine which retailer offers the best deals on the products you need.
- Use shopping apps. Many shopping apps can help you find the best deals or even earn money back on your purchases, which can help offset higher product prices. For example, you can earn rewards for scanning your store receipts on Receipt Hog, while Ibotta provides cashback rewards on purchases from specific retailers. Don’t forget to also sign up for your local grocery stores’ apps, which you can use to download coupons and take advantage of store sales.
- Use a rewards credit card. Depending on your credit score, you may be able to open a rewards credit card to earn cash back on common purchases like groceries and gas. These rewards can quickly add up and can help you save money over time. When applying for a card, consider whether you’ll need to pay an annual service fee, and look for any other hidden fees. Review the interest rate and pay off your balance monthly to avoid paying interest.
Bottom Line
While you can’t control tariffs or their impact on prices, you can take steps to shop strategically. Cutting back on spending is one way to save, but there are also smart strategies that can help you get the products you need without overspending.
From timing your purchases around major sales to using cashback apps and rewards credit cards, small adjustments can add up to meaningful savings. In a time of rising costs and uncertainty, being a more intentional shopper can help you stay ahead.
Related content
-
Retirement Reimagined: Finding Your Tribe in LGBTQ-Focused CommunitiesDemand for LGBTQ retirement communities in the U.S. is high, but inventory is not easy to find. Here are some safe havens to explore.
-
Ask the Editor, June 20: Questions on Tax Deductions and IRAsAsk the Editor In our latest Ask the Editor round-up, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers four questions on deductions, tax proposals and IRAs.
-
Divorce and Your Home: An Expert's Guide to Avoiding a Tax BombYour home is probably your biggest asset, so if you're getting a divorce, the stakes are high. Keep it? Sell it? You need to have a good plan in place for how to handle it.
-
How Amazon Will Deliver Your Prime Day 2025 Orders — From Vans to DronesAmazon Prime Day returns July 8–11 with 96 hours of deals, and a wide range of high-tech and flexible delivery options to match the shopping surge.
-
Chase Increases Sapphire Reserve Annual Fee by 45%: Are the New Perks Worth It?Chase announced sweeping changes to its Sapphire Reserve card.
-
What to Know Before Flying With Your PetFrom documentation and TSA screening to carrier rules and airport relief areas, here’s what to know before taking your pet on a flight.
-
This Is How a Lot of Law School Students Are CheatingGrowing numbers of students are falsely claiming a learning disability to score more time to take tests. This has real-world consequences in which fellow students, law firms and their clients pay the price.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired International Finance Director, 68, AtlantaEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Student Loan Delinquencies Are Hurting Credit Scores — Even for Parents and GrandparentsMillions of borrowers are falling behind on student loan payments, triggering steep credit score drops. If you or your family carry student debt, here's what you need to know now.
-
Costco Offers Executive Members A New Shopping PerkCostco executive members can shop in store one hour earlier, starting on June 30.
