Korean beauty store sees surge in 'panic buying' amid proposed tariffs
Senti Senti's shelves are lined with all Korean and Japanese skincare essentials, from sheet masks to sunscreens, but are quickly emptying as shoppers bulk up on what they need.
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A popular Korean beauty store in Williamsburg is seeing a rush of customers stocking up on skincare products ahead of proposed tariffs that could dramatically increase prices.
Senti Senti's shelves are lined with all Korean and Japanese skincare essentials, from sheet masks to sunscreens, but are quickly emptying as shoppers bulk up on what they need.
“Somebody actually bought nine sunscreens,” said Marie Del Rosario, the store’s manager. “They are panic buying.”
That panic stems from proposed tariffs: 25% on imports from South Korea and 24% for Japan.
For customers like Bushwick resident Jeanette Floyd, it’s a no-brainer to stock up now.
“If I see I can barely get this product, I might as well just buy five rather than one right now,” Floyd said.
Korean beauty has become a staple in many skincare routines, and stores like Senti Senti are known for their wide selection and affordability.
Del Rosario says the looming tariffs could force prices to rise significantly; a $17.99 product could jump to $25 or more.
“Everything is unstable, and right now it looks pretty good because a lot of people are buying multiple things,” Del Rosario said. “But what is it going to look like after?”
For now, the future of imported skincare remains uncertain, with the 90-day pause on tariffs set to expire on July 1.
