Trump tariffs likely to raise appliance prices, experts say

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LOS ANGELES - After two years of falling prices, appliances are suddenly getting more expensive—and trade policy may be the reason.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of major household appliances jumped 4.3% in May compared to April. That’s the sharpest month-over-month increase in over a year, and a major reversal after a period of steady deflation in 2023 and 2024.

Experts say the spike is being fueled by rising costs linked to tariffs, especially on imported components and finished goods often used in appliance manufacturing.

What’s behind the spike in appliance prices?

The backstory:

Major appliances—such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens—often include components made overseas, even if they’re assembled in the U.S. When tariffs are placed on imported goods, those costs are passed along to manufacturers, and increasingly, to shoppers.

"Refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are particularly vulnerable because they often include a high percentage of foreign components—even when final assembly happens in the U.S.," David Warrick, executive vice president at supply chain platform Overhaul, told CNET.

The latest inflation data shows appliance prices were up even more than most other consumer goods. In April, only newspapers and magazines saw a bigger monthly jump.

How are companies and consumers responding?

What they're saying:

Some manufacturers are already preparing to raise prices further. In April, appliance giant LG told Reuters it was considering price increases on certain U.S. products.

Rows of refrigerators are seen at a Best Buy store in Levittown, New York, on April 5, 2024. Appliance prices are rising sharply due to tariffs on imported goods and components, with refrigerators among the most affected categories.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

That announcement has some consumers rushing to buy before prices climb again. "We’re going to maybe see another 10% price increase come June," said Joseph Legato, CEO of Bill & Rod’s Appliance in Livonia, Michigan, in an interview with WXYZ Detroit. "What we are recommending is make sure people take advantage of the promotional times that are coming up."

Could prices rise even more this summer?

What's next:

The U.S. Department of Energy announced in February that it would delay some energy-efficiency requirements for washers and dryers in an attempt to lower costs, but analysts say tariffs will likely continue putting upward pressure on prices—especially as trade policies evolve.

Trump-era tariff frameworks remain politically influential, and if reinstated or expanded in a future administration, could further affect consumer prices for imported goods and U.S.-assembled products with foreign materials.

Retailers warn that shoppers may want to lock in current promotions now, especially for big-ticket appliances that are already trending upward in cost.