Consumer Alert: Here's how tariffs could affect your wallet

It depends on how much you spend, but most analysts say the average family will spend at least an extra $400 a year.

News 12 Staff

May 17, 2019, 5:38 PM

Updated 1,795 days ago

Share:

Need new appliances? They could cost you more.
Thanks to tariffs on Chinese imports, the average cost of a washing machine has gone from $749 to nearly $840. And if 25% tariffs kick in, analysts say the price could top $900.
"All appliance retailers, no matter who they are, are going to be raising their prices," says appliance store owner Mark Tilbor. In the end, he says, consumers always wind up footing the bill.
"You notice it more on the low end. We used to be selling washers for like $399. Those days really are gone. Most washers are $500, $600 and above," Tilbor says.
If you think you can save money by buying American -- not really. Many of the components, including the sheet metal itself, are still imported from China.
"American consumers are already paying, they just don't really know it," says Mark Zandi, chief economist with Moody's Analytics. "It's kind of a stealth tax. But it's going to become a very obvious tax not too far from now, if this continues."
One place you're likely to notice: electronics. Many components come from Chinese factories.
Analysts say if Apple wanted to offset 25% tariffs, it would have to raise iPhone prices 12%, so that an iPhone 8 that now costs $599 would cost $685.
Chinese-made shoes could also wind up costing more. A trade group says a pair that used to run $50 will wind up costing $66.
Home renovations could also get more expensive because of higher prices on construction materials. Housing prices themselves are less likely to be affected, as they have more to do with things like interest rates.
So how much will tariffs impact you? That depends on how much you spend, but most analysts say the average family will spend at least an extra $400 a year.
US tariffs are also impacting China -- and the White House is counting on Beijing to cave first.


More from News 12
0:45
NYPD: Protesters along Brooklyn Bridge arrested for blocking traffic

NYPD: Protesters along Brooklyn Bridge arrested for blocking traffic

2:20
WNBA draft takes over the Brooklyn Academy of Music

WNBA draft takes over the Brooklyn Academy of Music

2:01
Spring warmth in full effect with sunshine, temps in the 70s through Tuesday for NYC

Spring warmth in full effect with sunshine, temps in the 70s through Tuesday for NYC

1:46
E-bike shop owner in Flatbush behind bars, accused of unsafe conditions in his business

E-bike shop owner in Flatbush behind bars, accused of unsafe conditions in his business

2:03
Black Maternal Health Week: Mother discusses how her pregnancy inspired her to become a doctor

Black Maternal Health Week: Mother discusses how her pregnancy inspired her to become a doctor

1:22
City announces Project Home program to combat domestic violence

City announces Project Home program to combat domestic violence

1:36
It’s Tax Day: Bronx accountant breaks down what you should know

It’s Tax Day: Bronx accountant breaks down what you should know

1:53
NYPD: Williamsburg jewelry store robbed in broad daylight; incident caught on camera

NYPD: Williamsburg jewelry store robbed in broad daylight; incident caught on camera

2:00
FDNY: Mother, daughter injured in late night Sunset Park apartment fire

FDNY: Mother, daughter injured in late night Sunset Park apartment fire

1:43
Brooklyn resident helping Brooklyn Public Library by organizing races to raise funds

Brooklyn resident helping Brooklyn Public Library by organizing races to raise funds

0:22
NYPD: 2 men wanted in connection to Cypress Hills gunpoint robbery

NYPD: 2 men wanted in connection to Cypress Hills gunpoint robbery

0:26
Fire officials: 15 people injured in bus, truck crash in Downtown Brooklyn

Fire officials: 15 people injured in bus, truck crash in Downtown Brooklyn

1:27
NYPD deploys resources to places of worship amid increased Middle East tensions

NYPD deploys resources to places of worship amid increased Middle East tensions

1:40
Demonstrators outside Kings Plaza Mall push for changes to immigration policy

Demonstrators outside Kings Plaza Mall push for changes to immigration policy

1:17
Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts ‘Celebrate Eid al-Fitr’ festival

Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts ‘Celebrate Eid al-Fitr’ festival

0:25
Police: Man who punched 9-year-old girl at Grand Central Terminal arrested

Police: Man who punched 9-year-old girl at Grand Central Terminal arrested

2:32
Community advocates rally and call for changes in aftermath of NYPD's decision in Kawaski Trawick case

Community advocates rally and call for changes in aftermath of NYPD's decision in Kawaski Trawick case

2:39
‘A very dangerous time.’ NYC synagogues and Jewish organizations on high alert after Iran attack

‘A very dangerous time.’ NYC synagogues and Jewish organizations on high alert after Iran attack

0:43
NYPD: Victims identified, arrest made in Fordham crash that killed 2

NYPD: Victims identified, arrest made in Fordham crash that killed 2

2:04
CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties

CDC: Most women do not get a mammogram because of financial difficulties