The introduction of various tariffs and occasional trade disruptions has put businesses worldwide on high alert. Consequently, a few major retailers have already increased prices in the United States or cautioned about potential future increases.

In recent months, President Donald Trump introduced new import taxes affecting most of the United States' trading partners and various goods from different sectors. Certain countries, notably China, responded with their own retaliatory tariffs. While some of the highest tariffs have been paused or reduced, many other taxes have accumulated, impacting businesses.

This is because companies importing goods face tariffs, increasing their costs, which are usually passed on to consumers. Trump claimed these taxes would bring manufacturing back to the US. However, economists have long warned that widespread tariffs, in a world of global supply chains, will likely lead to higher prices for consumers.

Many companies and their customers are already dealing with this situation. Below are some major retailers that have recently announced or expect price increases due to ongoing trade disputes.

Walmart se sumó a la lista el jueves, anunciando que se veía obligado a subir los precios debido al aumento de costes provocado por los aranceles.

Despite Walmart's efforts to mitigate some tariff risks by sourcing two-thirds of its goods in the US, it remains vulnerable. Price increases started appearing on Walmart shelves in late April and have accelerated this month, company executives stated on Thursday. A more significant impact is expected in June and July, coinciding with the peak back-to-school shopping season.

John David Rainey, the company's finance director, highlighted that the cost of many essential items is increasing. He noted, for instance, that bananas imported from Costa Rica have risen in price from 50 to 54 cents per pound. He also believes that car seats made in China, currently selling for $350 at Walmart, are likely to increase by another $100.

"Rainey told The Associated Press that they aim to keep prices low, but there are limits to what they, or any retailer, can handle."

Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars, announced earlier this month that they might also need to raise prices "if necessary" to cover the costs of import taxes.

The toy manufacturer, who produces 40% of their goods in China, warned of price increases on May 5th. This was before the US and China agreed to a 90-day period to temporarily lower most of their high tariffs. However, tariffs on Chinese goods remain higher than before the increases initiated last month.

In their latest earnings report, Mattel announced plans to move around 500 product lines from Chinese manufacturers to suppliers in other countries this year, a rise from 280 last year. For some of their most popular toys, the company also stated they would use factories in multiple countries.

In early May, Microsoft increased the recommended retail prices of its Xbox consoles and controllers globally. For instance, the Xbox Series S now starts at $379.99 in the US, a rise of $80 from its 2020 price of $299.99. The more powerful Xbox Series X has also gone up in price, now costing $599.99, which is $100 more than the previous price of $499.99.

"Microsoft acknowledged these changes might be difficult in an Xbox support update on May 1st." The tech company didn't directly mention tariffs, but referred to wider market conditions and rising development costs.

Besides the United States, Microsoft has also announced Xbox price changes for Europe, the UK, and Australia. The company stated that all other countries will also see local updates. Furthermore, Microsoft anticipates increasing the price of some of its new first-party games this holiday season, pricing them at $79.99.

Last month, major online retailers Temu and Shein both announced price increases, explaining in similar statements that this was due to recent changes in international trade regulations and tariffs.

Towards the end of April, customers started noticing price increases on many products. This was mainly due to the expected end of the "de minimis" rule on May 2nd, a tariff exemption that has benefited shopping websites for years on low-value imports from China. Although the recent agreement between the US and China has lessened the impact for some, these products still face import taxes. Low-value packages from China arriving via the US Postal Service are now taxed at 54%, a reduction from the previous rate of 120%.

Even before this agreement, it seemed Temu had stopped shipping directly from China, instead using stock already in the US. The retailer, owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, keeps advertising many products from "local" warehouses, promising US customers "no import fees". Meanwhile, Shein, based in Singapore, now displays a message at checkout saying: "Duties are already included in the price. You will not need to pay anything extra upon delivery."

Stanley Black & Decker, the tool manufacturer, stated they increased prices in April and intend to do so again between July and September, citing higher tariffs as the reason.

"CEO Donald Allan Jr. stated last month that they are speeding up changes to their supply chain and considering all possibilities to lessen the effect of tariffs on customers, while also safeguarding the company's interests."

Executives at Procter & Gamble, the consumer goods giant behind well-known brands like Crest toothpaste, Tide detergent, and Charmin toilet paper, have also announced that they will likely need to pass these increased costs on to consumers. Last month, P&G stated they were making every effort to mitigate higher costs resulting from tariffs, including switching suppliers to avoid duties. However, the company cautioned that customers could see price increases starting in July.