Navigating rising costs, limited stock, and global supply chain shifts as a homeowner
When your refrigerator stops cooling or your washing machine starts shaking like a jet engine, the last thing you want is sticker shock at the store—or a long wait for a backordered part. But thanks to a new round of tariffs recently enacted by President Donald Trump, appliance buyers and repair customers may soon find themselves caught up in the ripples of global trade policy.
Even if you don’t follow politics, these new tariffs are worth paying attention to—because they will affect the price (and availability) of everything from dishwashers to dryers in the coming months.
Why Tariffs Affect Appliances (and More)
At their core, tariffs are taxes on imported goods. Companies that buy products or components from other countries—like motors from China or electronics from South Korea—now have to pay more at the border. That extra cost often gets passed down the line to you, the customer.
Courtesy of Chanaka
Trump’s proposed plan included a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and steeper levies on goods from specific countries like China. And since appliances rely on international parts and labor—even for brands labeled “Made in the USA”—the impact will be felt across the board.
How the Appliance Supply Chain Actually Works
Modern appliances are global jigsaw puzzles. A single washing machine might include:
A motor from China
Circuit boards from South Korea
Steel framing from Germany
Plastic housing molded in Mexico
Final assembly in Vietnam
Even U.S.-based manufacturing isn’t immune. American-made dishwashers or refrigerators often use imported steel and aluminum, which are now tariff targets too. That means higher production costs, even for companies trying to keep operations stateside.
And that’s where the supply chain bottlenecks begin.
What Homeowners Can Expect in the Short Term
If you’re wondering whether appliance prices will jump overnight—the answer is, not exactly. Some retailers and manufacturers have been stockpiling parts and finished goods to buy time. These “safety stock” reserves may delay the effects for a few weeks or months.
But once those inventories run low, prices are expected to climb. In fact, experts predict some common household appliances could see price hikes of 10–25%, depending on the model and how many of its parts are impacted by tariffs.
Here’s what that might look like:
Refrigerators & Freezers: $150–$500 increase (especially models made in Mexico)
Washing Machines & Dryers: $100–$400 increase (Samsung and Whirlpool models affected)
Microwaves & Ovens: $50–$200 increase (reliant on Canadian and Mexican components)
Dishwashers: $75–$300 increase (many assembled in Canada or with Canadian parts)
Courtesy of Tiger Lily
And for repairs? Replacement parts might be harder to find and slower to ship—especially for older models with less common components.
What You Can Do Now
For Dallas-area homeowners, here’s how to stay ahead of potential supply chain delays and cost hikes:
If You’ve Been Thinking About Upgrading, Don’t Wait
Appliances nearing the end of their lifespan (especially 8+ years old) are good candidates for replacement now—before prices go up.
Look for Open-Box or Clearance Sales
Retailers will likely try to clear pre-tariff inventory quickly. If you can find last year’s model, you might save a bundle.
Consider Repairing Instead of Replacing
If your appliance has a minor issue, repair might be more cost-effective. Local services can often fix problems for less than the cost of a new unit—and without the supply chain headaches.
Plan Ahead for Repairs
If you’ve got a laundry machine or fridge with a known quirk, don’t wait for it to fully fail. Parts may take longer to source, and scheduling repairs will get more competitive.
How This Affects Dallas Homeowners
For homeowners in the Dallas area, this means more than just sticker shock at the appliance store. Expect longer wait times for appliance deliveries, especially for specialty or high-efficiency models. Items that rely on imported parts—like dishwashers with smart features, energy-efficient water heaters, or smart home-compatible appliances—may see the sharpest delays and price hikes. Even appliances labeled "Made in the USA" can still include imported steel, plastic, or internal electronics. So while local retailers may try to soften the blow, once pre-tariff inventory runs out, prices will go up—and stock could get thin.
The Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Panicked
While the full extent of Trump’s proposed tariffs is still unfolding, one thing’s clear: global supply chains are complicated, and even small changes in trade policy can create big ripple effects for consumers.
If you’re in the market for a new appliance—or know yours is on borrowed time—it pays to stay informed, plan ahead, and act when it makes financial sense. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or just trying to keep your washer running another year, a little forethought can go a long way in avoiding surprise costs.
And as always, your local appliance repair experts are here to help. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re keeping a close eye on how tariffs impact availability and pricing—and we’re ready to guide Dallas homeowners through these shifting times with honest advice and reliable service.
