Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump’s Tariffs Hit — Here’s What To Buy
While the exact details and impact of President Trump’s tariff plans still remain uncertain, many experts project that these will lead to significant price increases for consumers. One analysis from The Budget Lab at Yale University, based on data as of April 2, projects that the tariffs announced so far will cost the average American household $3,800 in purchasing power annually.
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The effects could take a little bit of time as retailers figure out pricing strategies and negotiate with suppliers, but one strategy for consumers to save money could be to stock up on non-perishable items.
In a recent post on social media app Bluesky, entrepreneur Mark Cuban said that it’s not a bad idea to go to a big-box store to get lots of consumables now, before retailers have to restock with the new inventory reflecting the cost of tariffs.
Cuban went so far as to note that items made in the U.S. are not immune from this issue, given that some retailers might use tariffs as an excuse to hike prices.
“When the market shifts because of tariffs, companies will find reasons to adjust their prices to match,” added George Carrillo, co-founder and CEO at Hispanic Construction Council. “You buy now and avoid potential price hikes later.”
With that in mind, consider stocking up on items such as the following if you have the space and budget for it:
One of the items Cuban suggested buying now is toothpaste. According to Crest, toothpaste usually has a shelf life of about two years from the date it’s manufactured.
So, consider how much toothpaste your family is likely to use by then, and think about buying a few tubes to last you for a while. If you know you’re going to use it, there’s a case for locking in the price now and potentially saving a few dollars.
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Soap is another item suggested by Cuban. Similar to toothpaste, soap tends to last a few years, though the shelf life varies a bit based on factors such as whether it’s liquid vs. bar soap. Still, if you know you’re going to go through several bottles or bars in the coming year or two, it might make sense to buy those now at current prices.
Another household product that you might want to stock up on is laundry detergent, according to Carrillo. If unopened, liquid laundry detergent typically lasts around 12-18 months, while opened ones last around six months, according to Gain.
