US shoppers are feeling the pressure as President Donald Trump’s fluctuating tariffs continue to create uncertainty in the market. Richard Medina, a New York resident, recently faced a broken iPhone camera and, fearing the impact of tariff-driven price hikes, rushed to replace his device before prices could spike. “I said, ‘We’ve got to switch this out now,’” the 43-year-old said, reflecting the growing sense of urgency felt by many consumers.

The swift changes in tariff policies, announced by Trump, have left households across the country scrambling to keep up with rising prices. For many, the uncertainty is overwhelming, with some attempting to stock up on items in anticipation of potential price increases, while others feel paralyzed by the rapid shifts in policy.

The latest round of tariffs could lead to significant price hikes, especially on smartphones and electronics, as well as potential shortages. In response to mounting pressure from the public and financial markets, Trump has already rolled back certain tariffs. For instance, he has paused planned duties on European Union imports and exempted smartphones and other electronics from tariffs. These decisions have been a sign of the administration’s fluctuating stance, leading to confusion among both consumers and businesses.

Anna Woods, 42, a legal operations professional, is just one of many consumers caught in this whirlwind of uncertainty. She received a message from her son’s summer camp warning that the tariffs could impact the pricing of basic items like T-shirts. “I can’t keep up with the president,” she remarked, noting how the policy changes seem to come daily. “I just feel like we’re living in uncertain times.”

With price hikes looming on essential products, many consumers are unsure whether to act quickly or wait for further clarification from the administration. Woods, like many others, is feeling the effects of this unpredictability. “Everything is going up,” she said, but she remains unclear about the best course of action moving forward.

As the tariff saga continues to unfold, US shoppers are left grappling with the uncertainty of rising costs, hoping for a stable and predictable path forward.