Will Tariffs Affect Things Gen-Z Buys? Let's Look at Skincare, Coffee, Clothes, and More

If you've ever wondered why your favorite skincare suddenly costs more or why your go-to sneakers are “backordered until forever,” tariffs might be the reason—and yes, they do affect your wallet.

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So, you’re at the checkout line at Target, casually burning through your paycheck on Stanley cups and oat milk, when you notice… things feel weirdly more expensive. Or maybe your favorite K-beauty serum has mysteriously vanished from shelves. And somewhere between doomscrolling and your third cold brew, you hear the word “tariffs” tossed around. But like, what even is a tariff—and why is it messing with your life? A tariff is basically a tax the government puts on stuff we import from other countries (read: things we don’t make here but definitely still want—like electronics, clothes, skincare, etc.). The idea is to make foreign products more expensive so we’re encouraged to buy American-made ones. But in reality, that extra cost usually gets passed down to us, the consumer. Yep, you. Let’s break down how tariffs are way more involved in your spending habits than you probably realized.

Wait, So Is This Why My Favorite Stuff Costs More Now?

Short answer: probably. Long answer: tariffs are like that friend who always "forgets" their wallet but swears they’ll Venmo you later—they sneakily affect everything. When a tariff gets slapped onto a product coming from overseas, like say, a pair of imported sneakers, the company selling them has to pay that extra tax. But companies aren’t just gonna eat that cost out of the goodness of their corporate hearts—they’ll usually raise the price so they can still make a profit. That’s how your $90 sneakers just became $120.

And it’s not just shoes. Tariffs can hit electronics, groceries, skincare, furniture—basically any industry that relies on global supply chains (read: almost all of them). If there’s a new round of tariffs on Chinese imports, for example, you might notice your next iPhone is pricier, or your LED lights take longer to ship. It’s not you. It’s international trade policy.

What Even Causes a Tariff? Like, Who Wakes Up and Says “Let’s Make Things More Expensive”?

Tariffs usually come from governments trying to make a point—politically or economically. Sometimes it’s to protect domestic industries. Other times, it’s a response to global drama (trade wars, diplomatic tension, shady business practices). It’s giving international power moves, but make it bureaucratic.

For example, if the U.S. thinks another country is flooding the market with super cheap steel and that hurts American steel companies, they might slap a tariff on imported steel to even the playing field. Other times, it’s part of a larger beef—like when the U.S. and China went back and forth adding tariffs on each other’s goods a few years ago. TL;DR: it’s a mess of politics, economics, and vibes—and consumers (hi) often get caught in the middle.

Can I Actually Do Anything About Tariffs, Or Am I Just Stuck Paying $7 for Cereal Forever?

Unfortunately, you can’t just opt out of tariffs like you skip the update on your phone. But you can be a more informed buyer. Knowing what’s imported and where it’s from helps you spot when a price hike might be tariff-related vs. good old-fashioned inflation or supply chain issues.

You can also shop local or support small businesses that manufacture their products domestically. Not only does that sometimes mean lower prices (no import tax), but it also supports your local economy. Look at you, being all economically mindful. It won’t fix global trade issues, but it’s a small way to be less affected by them.

So, Are Tariffs Actually Good or Bad? Like… What’s the Tea?

It depends who you ask. If you're a politician trying to protect American manufacturing, tariffs can seem like a solid way to boost domestic production and jobs. If you're a consumer who just wants affordable wireless earbuds and oat milk that doesn’t cost $6, tariffs feel like the worst kind of invisible hand slapping your wallet.

The reality? Tariffs are a tool—not inherently good or bad, but impactful. Sometimes they do help domestic industries get back on their feet. But they also have a habit of starting economic beefs between countries, which often leads to more tariffs, higher prices, and less stuff on the shelves. It’s a little like starting drama in the group chat—it might feel like a power move at first, but it rarely ends clean.

Should I Be Freaking Out About Tariffs or Nah?

Don’t panic—but definitely be aware. Tariffs aren’t some distant, complicated government thing—they’re shaping what ends up in your cart and how much you pay for it. Whether it's fashion, tech, or food, prices are affected by these behind-the-scenes trade policies more than most people realize.

So the next time someone mentions tariffs in passing, you can say, “Oh, yeah. That’s why my fav moisturizer costs five bucks more now.” Because now you know—it’s not just inflation, and it’s not in your head. It’s policy, baby.