Repeated tariffs and inconsistent trade policies have made businesses worldwide anxious. Some large retailers in the US have already increased prices or cautioned about potential future increases.

Recently, President Trump introduced new import taxes on many of America's trading partners and specific goods. Some countries, especially China, have responded with their own taxes. Although some of the highest taxes have been stopped or lowered, many others remain, creating problems for businesses.

This is because companies importing goods pay tariffs, leading to increased costs that are usually transferred to customers. Trump claims his tariffs will boost American manufacturing and investment. However, experts warn that because of global supply chains, these widespread tariffs will likely increase prices on everyday items.

Numerous companies, along with their customers, are already experiencing these effects. Below are some well-known retailers that have recently announced or expect price increases due to the current trade conflicts.

On Thursday, Walmart joined other major retailers in announcing it would have to increase prices because of higher costs caused by tariffs.

Although Walmart has taken steps to protect itself from some tariff issues by sourcing a large portion of its products in the US, it is still affected. Walmart executives have noted that prices started increasing in their stores in late April, with the rise becoming more noticeable this month. They predict, however, that the biggest impact will be in June and July, which is a crucial period for back-to-school shopping.

John David Rainey, the company's CFO, pointed out that the cost of many essential goods is rising. For instance, bananas imported from Costa Rica have increased from 50 to 54 cents per pound. He also anticipates that car seats made in China, currently priced at $350 at Walmart, will probably increase by another $100.

"We naturally aim to maintain low prices, but there's a limit to what we, or any shop, can handle," Rainey stated to The Associated Press.

Mattel, the company that makes Barbie and Hot Wheels, announced earlier in the month that they would also increase prices "where needed" to balance out the costs of tariffs.

The toymaker, which produces 40% of its toys in China, announced potential price increases on May 5. This was before the US and China agreed to a 90-day pause in their trade war. Although they reduced many of the high taxes on goods, tariffs on Chinese products are still higher than before the recent increases last month.

Mattel announced in its recent financial report that they intend to shift production of about 500 items from Chinese factories to other countries this year, a rise from 280 items last year. For some of their most popular toys, the company stated they would use factories in multiple countries.

In early May, Microsoft increased the suggested retail prices of Xbox consoles and controllers globally. For instance, the Xbox Series S now costs $379.99 in the U.S., which is $80 more than its original 2020 price of $299.99. The more powerful Xbox Series X will now be sold for $599.99, a $100 increase from its previous price of $499.99.

In a May 1st update on Xbox support, Microsoft acknowledged that these changes might be difficult, citing "market conditions and the increasing cost of development" as reasons, though without specifically mentioning tariffs.

Microsoft has also announced Xbox price changes in Europe, the U.K., and Australia, with other countries expected to receive local updates. Furthermore, the company anticipates increasing the price of some of its new, in-house games to $79.99 later this year.

Last month, major online retailers Temu and Shein independently announced price increases, both mentioning "recent shifts in international trade regulations and import taxes" as the reason.

In late April, customers noticed price increases on many goods, especially before the May 2 deadline of the de minimis rule, which allowed duty-free imports from China. While the recent agreement between the U.S. and China has reduced some costs, these products still have import taxes, with low-value packages from China arriving via the U.S. Postal Service now taxed at 54%, a decrease from 120%.

Even before this delay, Temu seemed to have stopped sending goods from China and started using stock already in the U.S. The company, which belongs to PDD Holdings, a Chinese online shopping business, is still advertising many items from "local" warehouses that say there are "no import costs" for American customers. At the same time, Shein, which is based in Singapore, now has a message at the checkout saying, "Taxes are included in the price. You won't have to pay more when it's delivered."

Stanley Black & Decker, a tool manufacturer, announced that it increased prices in April and intends to do so again between July and September, due to rising tariffs.

CEO Donald Allan, Jr. stated last month that they are quickly changing their supply network and considering all possibilities to reduce the effects of tariffs on customers, while also ensuring the company's protection.

Procter & Gamble, a major consumer goods company producing brands like Crest, Tide, and Charmin, has indicated that they will probably need to increase prices for customers. Last month, P&G stated they were trying to lower expenses caused by tariffs, such as by changing where they get their materials to avoid duties. However, the company suggested that consumers may see prices rise as early as July.