Why Memorial Day is going to be the perfect – and perhaps last time – to beat incoming US tariff hikes for big-ticket household appliances

Thinking about replacing your fridge or finally upgrading to that 10-in-1 air fryer? You might want to speed things up, as the impending tariff hikes for imported goods in the US will certainly raise prices for consumers.

New US tariffs, some of which have already come into play, will significantly drive up the cost of appliances and home tech. From washing machines to Wi-Fi routers, prices on everyday essentials may rise by hundreds of dollars in the coming weeks, months and years.

Here’s what’s happening, how it affects your wallet, and why the early Memorial Day sales might be the last chance to shop big meaningful discounts.

What is a tariff, and how does it impact appliance shopping?

Put simply, a tariff is a tax on goods entering (or sometimes exiting) the country. And when those goods include essential items like ovens or the best air purifiers or the best non-toxic air fryers, the consumer ends up paying the difference.

‘A tariff is a type of tax that is levied by a country on its imports,’ says Babak Hafezi, adjunct professor in international business at American University. ‘When a product from a tariffed country enters US shores, the US Government requires that the buyer pay a tariff/tax, otherwise, the product is not free to enter the US.’

What’s different this time? The US has ramped up both the scale and speed of these tariffs. Some went into effect in April, with more scheduled to hit in May and June – and this isn’t just about finished products. If you're considering investing in one of the best cordless vacuums, now is your best chance.

‘Nearly all technology will be affected,’ adds Babak. ‘It’s not just the final item, but also intermediary parts in the global supply chain. This could lead to multiple rounds of taxation before a product even lands in the US’

Christine Abely, assistant professor of law at New England Law, confirms the complexity, adding, ‘The reciprocal tariffs announced at the beginning of April consist of a 10% blanket tariff on goods from other countries besides Canada and Mexico, plus an additional percentage that varies depending on the country. The total tariff rate on Chinese imports is now 145%.’

Why is this relevant to appliances and home tech?

As covered by Al Jazeera, a significant portion of our home appliances are imported from overseas (such as the best Dyson vacuums), with much of the manufacturing process being globalized, too. This means that tariffs can hike up prices even on items with a 'Made in the USA' label.

‘USA-made brands like GE, Maytag and Whirlpool still have to source much of what they use overseas,’ says Lindsey Davis, e-commerce content director at Future. Made in the USA doesn’t always mean the full manufacturing process has taken place on American soil.’

With foreign parts harder to source and more expensive to import, production slows and prices rise. That can mean longer wait times and fewer choices on the shelves, especially when it comes to higher-end items. It might mean that it will become harder to make your kitchen appliances match, for example.

‘Tariffs aren’t just trade policy – they quietly shape the debt people carry,’ says Ali Zane, CEO of Imax Credit Repair Firm. ‘A washer that was $800 last year might suddenly cost $950, and most folks won’t even realize why.’

When are the new tariffs coming?

Some are already here. The de minimus tariffs – which apply to products valued under $800 – came into effect on May 1. Broader reciprocal tariffs are expected throughout May and June.

We’re also in the middle of a 90-day extension window, meaning the real price hikes could start landing in the next two months. Anything from the best reed diffusers to the best dishwashers could see significant increases.

‘The real pressure hits in the next 60 days,’ says Joe Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital. ‘That’s when we’ll start seeing if these negotiations work in our favor, or if we’re looking at price hikes across the board.’

Which appliances and home tech are most likely to be affected?

‘All small electronics, such as power tools, televisions, computers and computer parts, toys, home goods, cellphones, home networking equipment, and furniture will increase in price,’ says Babak Hafezi.

More generally, anything that relies on parts or labor from overseas will see price increases, including (but not limited to):

• Washing machines and dryers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Microwaves and ovens
• Dishwashers
• Air purifiers and AC units
• Smart TVs and sound systems
• Routers and networking devices
• Small electronics and the best vacuum cleaners
• Computers, tablets and phones

When should you buy?

If you’ve been putting off a big appliance purchase, now may be the time to act.

‘If your timeline is within the next 6 to 12 months, lock in the price now before things potentially spike,’ advises Joe Camberato. ‘Especially anything manufactured in China – which includes a lot of tech and appliances.’

Even if discounts appear during holiday sales, there’s no guarantee the base price will still be low.

‘All of this uncertainty means that if you were considering large investment purchases, such as a top-line vacuum or washing machine, it would be sensible to strike now while there are so many good deals on,’ says Lindsey Davis. ‘We can’t be sure the offers will be as generous come Black Friday.’

With Memorial Day sales arriving imminently, this may very well be the last chance for US consumers to enjoy pre-tariff prices on imported goods from around the world.

What to consider when purchasing home tech

First, check where your appliance is made – or where its parts are sourced. Some brands with US-based manufacturing may help you avoid the steepest price hikes.

Brands with more US-based manufacturing:

• Whirlpool: Headquartered in Michigan with multiple US plants
• GE Appliances: Owned by Haier but assembled in Kentucky and other US sites
• Speed Queen: Made entirely in Wisconsin
• Frigidaire: Owned by Electrolux, but many products are US-assembled

That said, even domestic brands rely on foreign components, so acting quickly still makes financial sense.

Also, consider your payment method. ‘If you’re going to finance it, calculate the full interest before pulling the trigger,’ says Ali Zane. ‘A $100 increase upfront can turn into months of payments if you’re already stretched.’

What to shop right now

If you're on the lookout for a new appliance of any kind, here's a list of the best deals you can currently find across the major retailers and our favorite home tech brands.

• Amazon: Save $100s in pre-Memorial Day sales
• Dyson: Up to $170 off on top-rated floorcare and air care
• KitchenAid: Cooking appliances with up to $130 off
• Ninja: 10% off with code SPECIAL10
• QVC: Deals on tried and tested appliances with up to 20% off
• Target: Up to 25% off kitchen appliances
• Walmart: Savings of $100+ on home and kitchen appliances
• Wayfair: Up to 70% off

We regularly update our guides to the best Dyson deals, best vacuum deals, best air fryer deals and best coffee maker deals so you can enjoy pre-tariff-hike prices before they're gone.