By: Nick Callos
Tariff whiplash dominated headlines in the first half of 2025. It’s hard to keep up, but as a traveler who needs travel essentials to vacation safely and conveniently, it pays to pay attention.
- We saw the USA hike tariffs on China to 145% in April, only in May to roll back reciprocal tariffs for 90 days. The average tariff on Chinese-made products still stands at 51.1% (as of early June 2025).
- In March 2025, President Trump implemented a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico, only to suspend them and offer discounts across various categories over the next two months. The current effective tariff rate on Mexico stands at 14.7%.
- There is currently a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with some exceptions (as of June 2025). This could change at any moment.
Though we have no idea where tariff policies will end up, or if the whiplash will ever stop, we know that tariffs are here to stay in some shape or form. Currently, the average US tariff on imports stands at 17.8%, according to The Budget Lab at Yale.
Whether you’re a digital nomad or just planning a family vacation, tariffs will increase the prices of certain travel essentials. You may even see declines in inventory, making some items hard to get.
The effect of tariffs is only beginning to be felt, with some major retailers already increasing prices in certain categories. Tariffs take one to 9+ months to take full effect, according to experts. Final price increases depend on how much current inventory companies have, how much increased costs companies are willing to absorb, and if companies can find alternative manufacturers and suppliers.
What this means is price increases could be seen from now into early 2026. If trade policies continue to fluctuate, prices of travel essentials could even see increases next year and beyond.
What that means is: Now is the time to purchase travel essentials for your next trip. It could save you money, but more importantly, you’ll have peace of mind and will be able to budget your vacation properly — without having to worry about global trade policies.
Listed in this article are 10 travel essentials to buy before tariffs fully kick in.
Travel Luggage & Bags
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
China, a main target of Trump’s global trade war, manufactures an estimated 50% of the world’s travel cases and bags (and 70% of those purchased in North America). Considering the current tariff rates on China, 50%+ increases in luggage prices are fully possible.
Power Banks & Portable Chargers
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Power banks offer a convenient way to keep your devices charged while on the go, but Chinese companies such as Anker dominate this market. Even US companies, such as Duracell, manufacture their portable charging hubs in China and thus will be subject to tariffs.
Leisure & Sports Clothing
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
The majority of sport and leisure clothing is imported. Nike’s largest suppliers, for instance, are based in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China — all of which are subject to tariffs. Lululemon’s suppliers span from Peru to Sri Lanka to Taiwan.
Sporting & Activity Equipment
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Whether you like to kayak or hike, you need gear to stay safe and perform well. Much of that gear is made abroad. For example, over 90% of bikes purchased in the USA are made abroad. Plus, even though you can purchase an American-made bicycle, you may not escape tariffs as American bicycle companies still may have to pay tariffs on raw materials, like steel and aluminum.
Cell Phones & Phone Accessories
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Again, Apple, Samsung, and other phone and phone accessory companies manufacture a majority of their products in China, India, Taiwan, and Korea. There’s also the risk of tariffs being imposed on certain companies for not reshoring manufacturing to the USA. For example, Trump has threatened Apple specifically with 25% tariffs. Now may be the time to get a new iPhone or Airpods if you need them.
Shoes & Sneakers
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Similar to sports and leisure clothing, the majority of shoes and sneakers are made by international manufacturers. Whether you need new sandals or running shoes, now may be the time to purchase, especially if you see a deal.
Car Seats
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Planning a road trip with the family? If you need a car seat, get it before tariffs increase the prices of this travel essential. USA Today has predicted tariffs could raise the price of car seats from $59 to $145!
Digital Cameras
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
If you need to upgrade your digital camera, grab one before prices go up. The largest digital camera manufacturers are located in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Unless trade deals are made (most likely with Taiwan and South Korea), digital cameras could see steep price increases.
Certain Food Products
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
While food is one category where prices should NOT get incredibly hard by tariffs, as the USA is the leading producer of food, certain items may see increases, Specifically, commonly imported food and drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, and spirits should see price increases. Thankfully, these items have a long shelf life, making an advance purchase wise!
Laptops, Tablets & Gaming Consoles
Why it’s one of the travel essentials you should buy now
Electronics and tech products are one industry getting hit hard by tariffs. If you need a laptop for work or a gaming console for entertainment while traveling, get ahead of tariff impacts by buying now. For example, Nintendo hasn’t announced a price increase for the new Switch console, but prices could go up by $100+ if tariffs stick.
Limit the Impact of Tariffs on Your Wallet & Travel Without Breaking the Bank
This article covers a list of travel essentials that may get more expensive with tariffs. To stick to your travel budget, purchase now if you need the items.
Another option to avoid tariffs is to make these purchases while abroad (if traveling overseas). There, you can buy the item without having to worry about tariffs.
Either way, do not let tariffs affect your travel plans! There are ways to take affordable trips and have the time of your life — even if you have to pay a bit more for travel essentials or forgo a few comfort items.
Do you think any other travel essentials should be on the list? Join our Facebook page and leave a comment. We’d love to hear more from you.
About the Author
Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.
Featured image by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash
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