With Trump’s tariffs looming, NYC shoppers are stocking up on essentials, fearing shortages, rising prices, and economic uncertainty ahead.
New York City shoppers are beginning to stock up on essentials.
Many are worried about the effects of new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.
These tariffs were set to increase prices, leading people to fear they might struggle to afford basic goods.
NYC shoppers rush to stock up on essentials after Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs take effect
On a recent shopping trip, Angelia Gonzalez, a 48-year-old mother, was seen filling her cart at a Costco in East Harlem.
She expressed her concerns, saying, “Pray to God that we all survive.”
“I feel some kind of way. I mean, I have a family.”
Gonzalez traveled across town to stock up on supplies, fearing that prices would rise dramatically due to the tariffs.
These tariffs began at 12:01 a.m. on a Wednesday. Although Trump later announced a 90-day pause for most countries, the uncertainty left many shoppers feeling anxious.
The pause did not include tariffs on Chinese imports, which were raised to 125%.
This situation has left shoppers feeling confused and worried about future prices.
“It’s a bummer. But we have to make ends meet however we can,” Gonzalez said.
Tariff decisions significantly impact daily life for shoppers.
Gonzalez mentioned how her family sometimes lives “day by day” based on how much money they have. She noted that the tariffs would make it harder to manage daily expenses.
Many shoppers share her concerns and are taking action by buying extra items when they can.
Other shoppers, like 45-year-old Julie Stump, also worry about the future. Stump stated that she would stock up if she had the space.
“I don’t have enough room in my apartment to bulk up on things but if I did, I would,” she said.
“I feel like prices are going to go up and things are going to get scary for a little bit.”
Local grocers and businesses are feeling significant pressure.
Local businesses, especially those selling imported goods, are also feeling the strain.
Judy Ong, who manages Pearl River Mart in Chelsea, expressed her worries about how to plan for the future.
“Everything is so up in the air, so we don’t quite know how to plan or prepare,” said Judy Ong.
Pearl River Mart sources its items from all over Asia. Ong mentioned that they do not have the same resources as larger chains, making it harder to cope with rising costs.
Many smaller shops fear they will struggle more than larger competitors during this time.
“We don’t really have the resources like the other large corporate places do,” she continued.
“I expect that we’re going to feel it a lot sharper than most.”
Long-standing businesses face new challenges
In Little Italy, DiPalo’s Fine Foods, a family-run shop for over 100 years, is seeing customers ask about potential price increases.
Co-owner Lou DiPalo remains hopeful that they will get through this tough period.
He acknowledged that many of their products come from Italy, which has been affected by tariffs.
DiPalo explained that even though there was a pause on some tariffs, a 10% baseline tariff still applies.
This ongoing situation creates a sense of uncertainty for both the business and its loyal customers.
DiPalo noted, “There is a certain concern,” but he believes that customer loyalty will help them weather the storm.
Businesses are preparing for the future amid uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, DiPalo is optimistic about the future.
“It’s a challenge, it’s a big challenge, it’s a significant challenge, but it’s not the greatest challenge we’ve faced,” he said.
“We’ve been in business over 100 years, and I can tell you many, many other challenges in 100 years that DiPalo’s has faced.
“We’ve helped a lot of other countries’ economies and we’ve sacrificed our own economy because of that. It’s a tough way to do it, but maybe gradually we should balance things out.
As much as it’s going to hurt my business, I see where this is coming from,” DiPalo continued.
“Maybe this is something that’s long overdue. Maybe it should have been started 40 years ago.”