It's The Corruption, Stupid

For the low low price of $500K, Don Jr will wire you in for a chat with Dad.

The Labor Dept reported 177,000 new jobs for April - good news. But GDP shrank, and prices are starting to tick up even as imports have made a significant jump.

Remember, more supply is supposed to make for lower prices, but hey - it's early, and we're still waiting to see just how much Trump can squeeze out of his toadies before he has to relent just a tiny bit.

So we could be looking at the runup to a potentially amazing round of price gouging as that supply starts to dwindle.

What say you, Google A.I. ?

Overview
To prepare for potential tariff-related price increases, consumers should consider purchasing items like appliances, electronics, furniture, and clothing before they potentially become more expensive. Additionally, stocking up on groceries, especially those with a high import content, might also be a good idea.

Items to consider buying sooner rather than later:

Appliances:

Half of the home appliances sold in the U.S. are sourced from China, making them vulnerable to price increases if tariffs are imposed.

Electronics:

Electronics like phones, laptops, and TVs rely heavily on global supply chains, and tariffs on parts or finished goods can lead to higher prices.

Furniture:

Many furniture manufacturers source materials and components internationally, potentially making furniture more expensive with tariffs.

Clothing and Textiles:

The clothing industry is another sector that could be significantly affected by tariff increases.

Groceries:

Items like beer, meat, and other imported groceries may become more expensive as tariffs affect the supply chain.

Aluminum and Steel Products:

Consumers looking to purchase aluminum- and steel-based products may want to brace for higher prices as well.

Toys:

China makes a large percentage of the toys sold in the U.S., so tariffs on these goods could lead to price increases.

Why now?

Tariffs primarily impact imported goods:

Prices on products already in U.S. warehouses may not rise dramatically immediately, so now is a good time to purchase items you need.

Potential price hikes:

Economists expect tariffs to push up prices on a range of imported goods as businesses pass on increased costs to consumers.

Supply chain disruptions:

Tariffs can disrupt supply chains and lead to shortages, potentially driving prices even higher.

Important considerations:

Shop around:

Even with potential price increases, it's still wise to compare prices at different retailers before making a purchase.

Consider store brands:

Private-label goods (store brands) may offer a cheaper alternative to name-brand products.

Be mindful of your budget:

Tariffs could lead to higher prices across a range of items, so it's important to be mindful of your spending habits and make informed decisions.