In a move aimed at reshaping U.S. trade policy, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China on Feb. 1, a decision that is expected to increase costs for American consumers. The tariffs—25% on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on China—have sparked concerns over rising prices on housing, automobiles, energy, and food.
Delayed Tariffs, But Uncertainty Remains
Mexico and Canada have negotiated a temporary delay on the tariffs, with a one-month window to discuss border security and trade terms. However, Trump has made it clear that the tariffs could still take effect if agreements are not reached. Meanwhile, the 10% tariff on Chinese goods is set to go into effect on Feb. 4, leading to expected price hikes on imported goods.
The right-leaning Tax Foundation estimates that if these tariffs remain in place, they could cost the average U.S. household over $800 in 2025 alone.
Housing: Construction Costs Set to Soar
For Americans struggling with skyrocketing home prices, the tariffs are likely to make homeownership even less affordable. More than 70% of softwood lumber imports—a key material for homebuilding—come from Canada, and the new 25% tariff will add to the existing 14.5% tariff, driving up costs further. Additionally, Mexico is a major supplier of gypsum, a crucial material for drywall, which will also become more expensive.
“Tariffs on lumber increase construction costs and discourage new development,” said Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Experts warn that the housing shortage will worsen, as construction slows due to higher material and labor costs. The Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented workers could also push labor costs higher, making new home construction even more expensive.
Automobiles: Tariffs Could Add Thousands to Car Prices
The U.S. auto industry relies heavily on cross-border supply chains, and the tariffs on Mexico and Canada threaten to disrupt production and increase prices. Michael Hicks, an economist at Ball State University, estimates that tariffs could add $2,000 to the price of a sedan and up to $5,000 for an SUV due to the high number of imported electronic components.
“These tariffs are going to mess up automobile supply chains,” said William Reinsch, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Even if the tariffs only apply to Canada, they will have a huge ripple effect on the industry.”
Energy: Higher Gas Prices Likely in the Midwest and Northeast
While Trump set lower tariffs (10%) on Canadian oil and natural gas, experts say gas prices are still likely to rise—especially in the Midwest, where refineries depend on Canadian crude.
“These refineries can’t easily switch to another source, so they’ll keep importing Canadian crude and simply pay the tariffs,” Reinsch explained.
The energy tariffs may also impact electricity prices in the Northeast, which relies on Canadian hydropower. New England and New York import a significant portion of their electricity from Canada, and consumers could see higher utility bills as a result.
Food: Tariffs Threaten Grocery Prices
Americans may soon pay more at the grocery store, as the U.S. imports large quantities of produce, grain, and other food products from Canada and Mexico. The volume of imported fresh vegetables has risen nearly 200% in the last two decades, and tariffs could push those prices even higher.
Canadian farmers have warned that tariffs on grain will raise costs for bread, pasta, and even beer. Tara Sawyer, chair of the Grain Growers of Canada, said:
“Whether you’re growing crops or buying groceries, these tariffs will make life more expensive at a time when most are already being priced out.”
One surprising victim of the tariffs? Maple syrup. The U.S. is the largest importer of Canadian syrup, buying $280 million worth last year. Even Vermont’s maple syrup industry could be affected, as much of the equipment used to produce it comes from Canada.
Online Shopping: Chinese Goods to Get More Expensive
The 10% tariff on Chinese imports may seem smaller than the ones on Mexico and Canada, but a key provision in Trump’s trade order could significantly impact online shopping.
For years, Chinese companies have bypassed tariffs on small, inexpensive items—such as clothing, electronics, and furniture—by using a legal loophole called the de minimis provision, which exempts goods under $800 from tariffs. This has allowed online retailers like Temu and Shein to flood the U.S. market with low-cost goods.
Trump’s new executive order eliminates this exemption, meaning many Chinese goods will now be taxed. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection memo confirmed that, starting Feb. 4, 2025, all de minimis exemptions will be rejected.
What’s Next?
With negotiations ongoing with Mexico and Canada, there is still a chance that some of these tariffs could be reduced or lifted. However, as of now, Americans should brace for higher costs across multiple sectors.
Whether these tariffs achieve Trump’s goal of reshaping trade relationships or backfire by driving inflation higher remains to be seen—but for now, consumers will feel the impact in their wallets.