In May, 2025, NBC News aired an interview between “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker and President Donald Trump. During that exchange, which covered a wide range of topics including the economy, the President acknowledged that, due to recent economic policies, prices on some goods “might” go up but argued that falling energy prices will matter more to consumers. In that context, he made the comment that “Americans ought to be able to make do with fewer common goods, like dolls or pencils.” Image Credit: bcnews.com--Image source and quote: nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-rejects-concerns-prices.
Somewhere along the line -- but probably not in this particular interview – he also made reference to the idea of consumers not buying so many things they don’t really need. That got me to thinking about this issue on several levels.
I remembered one of my father’s “takes” on the “Mysteries of Life” (as he called them) was why people spend their money the way they do, and wondered what kinds of things consumers really do buy that they don’t need … and often don’t really want and never use.
After all, at least in my humble opinion, Americans are rather materialistic and very spoiled.
IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER
I found lots of opinions on the internet, but in most cases it boiled down to the consumers’ personal interests, needs, what they value, and their priorities. Various websites identify many products as unworthy of spending money on which are everyday helps to others. After considerable thought, these items seem to fall into one or more categories which sometimes overlap:
• Truly Frivolous, but sometimes funny and humor inducing, and keepsakes.
• Critical Need, No. Convenient, Yes!
• Health Related
• Questionable Effectiveness and/or Potentially Harmful
• Single Purpose items which are rarely used.
THE TRULY FRIVOLOUS
These items are undoubtedly intended to be amusing but they are things nobody truly needs.
Somewhere along the line -- but probably not in this particular interview – he also made reference to the idea of consumers not buying so many things they don’t really need. That got me to thinking about this issue on several levels.
I remembered one of my father’s “takes” on the “Mysteries of Life” (as he called them) was why people spend their money the way they do, and wondered what kinds of things consumers really do buy that they don’t need … and often don’t really want and never use.
After all, at least in my humble opinion, Americans are rather materialistic and very spoiled.
IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER
I found lots of opinions on the internet, but in most cases it boiled down to the consumers’ personal interests, needs, what they value, and their priorities. Various websites identify many products as unworthy of spending money on which are everyday helps to others. After considerable thought, these items seem to fall into one or more categories which sometimes overlap:
• Truly Frivolous, but sometimes funny and humor inducing, and keepsakes.
• Critical Need, No. Convenient, Yes!
• Health Related
• Questionable Effectiveness and/or Potentially Harmful
• Single Purpose items which are rarely used.
THE TRULY FRIVOLOUS
These items are undoubtedly intended to be amusing but they are things nobody truly needs.
 ● The Useless Box It doesn‘t do anything. I guess it’s supposed to be a joke item for the person who has everything. Image Credit: Solarbotics/Flickr Image Source:interestingengineering.com/completely-unnecessary-things |  ● Sweat Gutters If you perspire profusely, you might buy head-mounted “Sweat Gutters” to remove sweat from your forehead. Image Credit: Reddit.com -- Image source: interestingengineering.com/completely-unnecessary-things |
 ● Cuisine Curtain This useless gadget lets you eat like an animal and still preserve your modesty while indulging your feeding frenzy. Image Source: YouTube.com Image source: interestingengineering.com/completely-unnecessary-things |  ● Motorized Ice Cream Cone This battery-powered gadget turns your ice cream cone to ensure a perfectly even melt. Price: $9.99. Image Credit: eBay Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |
 ● Pet Rock Classic '70s Pet Rock with googly eyes doesn't need food, water, or walks. Price. $29.99 Image Credit. Amazon Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |  ● USB-Powered Pet Rock This digital-age Pet Rock to your computer via USB. It doesn't do anything, but a light indicates it's "alive." Image Credit. Reddit.com Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |
 ● Banana Slicer A banana slicer shaped like a banana makes perfectly uniform slices. Price $6. A kitchen knife does the same work. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ● Self-Stirring Mug This mug stirs its contents, although using a spoon isn't all that strenuous. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless- products-waste-of-money/ Price: about $10 to $20 unless you absolutely need a Nextmug Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Mug, which can cost $100 to $130. |
 ● Bacon Bandages These don’t help wounds heal any better or quicker, but they do make the wearer look weird. Price: about $8. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/ |  ● Fish Training Kit Supposedly, you can train a pet fish with this kit, although I don’t know why anyone would want to do that. Price: $10. Image Credit: Etsy Imager Source: https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/ |
The list goes on but you get the idea. Probably things we can do without under duress. Some purchases are totally frivolous, but sometimes these useless frivolities are fun and amusing, and no doubt that is what they are intended to be. Humor and comic relief certainly have their value.
CRITICAL NEED, NO! CONVENIENT, YES!
Many items called “a waste of money” are useful and effort saving but aren't cost effective because they are not used often (sometimes only once), take up space, have adverse impact on environment, increase waste products to be disposed of or, generally, impractical when you make an honest evaluation.
Those products -- probably somewhat of a luxury -- most of us could live without, given simpler substitutes, but they also can be helpful, save time and energy, and are used frequently. Those have value to people which offsets cost and other considerations like space. Some examples listed include the following:
CRITICAL NEED, NO! CONVENIENT, YES!
Many items called “a waste of money” are useful and effort saving but aren't cost effective because they are not used often (sometimes only once), take up space, have adverse impact on environment, increase waste products to be disposed of or, generally, impractical when you make an honest evaluation.
Those products -- probably somewhat of a luxury -- most of us could live without, given simpler substitutes, but they also can be helpful, save time and energy, and are used frequently. Those have value to people which offsets cost and other considerations like space. Some examples listed include the following:
 ● Dryer Sheets “Static-free, soft clothes are achievable without fabric softener or dryer sheets. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Instead, use a ball of aluminum foil or wool dryer balls to eliminate static electricity, and add a washcloth wet with a bit of white vinegar to soften fabric.” cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/ Yeah…no. I know where to find dryer sheets, they work, and I don’t have time for wet wash-cloths or white vinegar. Price: $7. |  ● Electric Can Opener “Electric can openers are convenient and easy, but not every kitchen can spare the counter space. (Price: $15 and up). Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Instead, complete the same task with a few turns of a crank using a handheld opener stored in a drawer. The exception? People who can't move their hands freely because of arthritis or another joint-crippling illness.” cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/ |
 ●Salad Spinner The Salad Spinner, electric and hand operated, “Spins the bucket to toss salad and dry it so dressing goes on evenly. Image Credit: Amazon Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ "Instead, wash the greens in a big container, put on the lid, and give it a few good shakes, and dry any excess moisture with paper towels.” I love my salad spinner, but I don’t see the need for an electric one. |  ● Corn Kerneler “While corn kernelers claim to extract corn kernels effortlessly, they often end up being a one-trick gadget. Image Credit: Aliexprerss.com Image Source: seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money Achieve the same results with a sharp knife & cutting board.” Price range: $7 to $130. seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money |
HEALTH RELATED
This category of expenditure is more serious. While it's unlikely you'll be harmed by a banana slicer or a salad spinner, some products which are marketed as being for yhour health sometimes can be harmful. Striving to be healthy is laudable, but it takes both commitment and some advance thought to make those purchases worthwhile.
This category of expenditure is more serious. While it's unlikely you'll be harmed by a banana slicer or a salad spinner, some products which are marketed as being for yhour health sometimes can be harmful. Striving to be healthy is laudable, but it takes both commitment and some advance thought to make those purchases worthwhile.
 |  ● Exercise Equipment and Gadgets Who hasn’t bought a piece of exercise equipment, large or small? How many ended use being used as a clothes rack? Lots of good intentions, but more often than not, wasted money and space. Above: Image Credit: qualitystocksuk/shutterstock -- Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/ Left: Image Credit: ImageSupply via DepositPhotos -- Image Source: moneysmartguides.com/things-people-buy |
● Multivitamins
Healthline reports, despite studies showing vitamins are pretty much useless for most people, “Americans spend around $21 billion a year on vitamins and herbal supplements. Instead, a diet dominated by plant-based whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, packs more healing power than vitamins, which aren't even regulated reliably.” Image Credit: CobraCZ/shutterstock Image Source: cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
The question of whether or not healthy individuals really need MVM supplements is a good one, and there are many opinions and not many answers. According to pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (an official website of the US Government), supplemental vitamins are not likely to be “…beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, and stroke…The results of large-scale randomized trials in the past two decades have shown that for the majority of the population, MVM supplements are not only ineffective, but they may be deleterious to health.” pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
While recent results from the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention)Trial and those resulting from the Women's Health Initiative, tend to bolster the ‘no benefit or even harm’ conclusion, and authors (medical researchers Farin Kamangar and Ashkan Emadi) emphasize that these conclusions are for the general population, and for prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. They go one to write that, “In special cases, individuals may need vitamins or supplements” and give examples. Best rely on research and your medical professional.
Healthline reports, despite studies showing vitamins are pretty much useless for most people, “Americans spend around $21 billion a year on vitamins and herbal supplements. Instead, a diet dominated by plant-based whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, packs more healing power than vitamins, which aren't even regulated reliably.” Image Credit: CobraCZ/shutterstock Image Source: cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
The question of whether or not healthy individuals really need MVM supplements is a good one, and there are many opinions and not many answers. According to pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (an official website of the US Government), supplemental vitamins are not likely to be “…beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, and stroke…The results of large-scale randomized trials in the past two decades have shown that for the majority of the population, MVM supplements are not only ineffective, but they may be deleterious to health.” pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
While recent results from the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention)Trial and those resulting from the Women's Health Initiative, tend to bolster the ‘no benefit or even harm’ conclusion, and authors (medical researchers Farin Kamangar and Ashkan Emadi) emphasize that these conclusions are for the general population, and for prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. They go one to write that, “In special cases, individuals may need vitamins or supplements” and give examples. Best rely on research and your medical professional.
● Diet Pills And Gummies
One of the biggest expenditures for “health” is for diet pills and gummies. Regarding Keto Diet products, Consumereview.com, states that 1. “There are a lot of products that don’t work at all, typically because they don’t contain the right ingredients or the right proportions”; 2. The products may be “too expensive to afford”; and 3. “The company
Image Source: consumereview.org might just be exploiting another fad” which apparently many are.
consumereview.org/keto-pills/
According to PCM, a government website, “With the serious health risks of dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and sexual function well-documented, there is concern that economic costs of these products may disproportionately burden individuals and families by gender and socioeconomic position.” Such supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building , and sexual function are not medically recommended because they “have been shown to be ineffective in many cases and pose serious health risks to consumers due to adulteration with banned substances, prescription pharmaceuticals, and other dangerous chemicals.”
POTENTIONALLY HARMFUL and/or QUESTIONABLE EFFECTIVENESS
Some products which are convenient and apparently effective are believed by many experts as potentially harmful and/or of questionable effectiveness. In my experience, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work, but it should inspire some thought and maybe some research before purchase. Two examples of this category are:
One of the biggest expenditures for “health” is for diet pills and gummies. Regarding Keto Diet products, Consumereview.com, states that 1. “There are a lot of products that don’t work at all, typically because they don’t contain the right ingredients or the right proportions”; 2. The products may be “too expensive to afford”; and 3. “The company
Image Source: consumereview.org might just be exploiting another fad” which apparently many are.
consumereview.org/keto-pills/
According to PCM, a government website, “With the serious health risks of dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and sexual function well-documented, there is concern that economic costs of these products may disproportionately burden individuals and families by gender and socioeconomic position.” Such supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building , and sexual function are not medically recommended because they “have been shown to be ineffective in many cases and pose serious health risks to consumers due to adulteration with banned substances, prescription pharmaceuticals, and other dangerous chemicals.”
POTENTIONALLY HARMFUL and/or QUESTIONABLE EFFECTIVENESS
Some products which are convenient and apparently effective are believed by many experts as potentially harmful and/or of questionable effectiveness. In my experience, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work, but it should inspire some thought and maybe some research before purchase. Two examples of this category are:
● Air Fresheners
Although zillions of people use one or more of the many kinds of air fresheners available, this product falls into several categories. They are convenient and do mask household odors, but are not critical.
Image Source: Amazon
People overcame gross household smells long before air fresheners were available just by simmering lemon juice in water on the stove, or placing potpourri, eucalyptus, rose water, or open containers of baking soda around the house. (Baking soda works in the refrigerator, too.)
However, “despite their popularity, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. A VOC is a type of chemical that turns into a vapor or gas easily at room temperature. Health problems are thought to occur as a result of the chemicals in the air fresheners and from their secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are formed when a product’s chemicals combine with the ozone already in the air.” poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
Although zillions of people use one or more of the many kinds of air fresheners available, this product falls into several categories. They are convenient and do mask household odors, but are not critical.
Image Source: Amazon
People overcame gross household smells long before air fresheners were available just by simmering lemon juice in water on the stove, or placing potpourri, eucalyptus, rose water, or open containers of baking soda around the house. (Baking soda works in the refrigerator, too.)
However, “despite their popularity, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. A VOC is a type of chemical that turns into a vapor or gas easily at room temperature. Health problems are thought to occur as a result of the chemicals in the air fresheners and from their secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are formed when a product’s chemicals combine with the ozone already in the air.” poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
● Mosquito Zappers
“Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which mammals exhale in huge plumes with every breath. There is no evidence they are attracted to ultraviolet light, which is the lure that backyard bug zappers rely on to draw and eliminate bugs." Price: $23 and up.
Image Source: Image Credit: Amazon
Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/
Actually, bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands, but according to scientists they kill the wrong bugs. “They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of disease-ridden bug parts out into the air. All of the mosquito experts we spoke with and every relevant university extension office we could find unanimously condemned bug zappers.” nytimes.com/do-bug-zappers-work/
SPECIALIZED TOOLS and ONE-PURPOSE APPLICANCES
Finally we come to the attractive but questionable tool or appliance that is so specialized it only does one thing. I believe this is an area where most of us have expended a few unnecessary dollars for something that sounds practical and worth the cost, but then turns out to be something we rarely use.
Of course, there are many of these appliances and tools which we use often, such as a vacuum cleaner. The ones in question are often related to the kitchen and cooking, although I imagine home shop and gardening tools have their share. I mean, unless you are impassioned with cooking, who doesn’t want to make things easier in the kitchen?
When related to culinary helps, the tool or appliance is probably redundant. You probably already have something that can perform the same task. Whether or not they are worth the cost and space they occupy depends largely on how much use the item will get and why it needs to be done separately. These appliances are usually not a necessity in a home unless used constantly or for a special reason (like arthritis). These examples were listed on multiple websites as unnecessary.
“Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which mammals exhale in huge plumes with every breath. There is no evidence they are attracted to ultraviolet light, which is the lure that backyard bug zappers rely on to draw and eliminate bugs." Price: $23 and up.
Image Source: Image Credit: Amazon
Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/
Actually, bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands, but according to scientists they kill the wrong bugs. “They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of disease-ridden bug parts out into the air. All of the mosquito experts we spoke with and every relevant university extension office we could find unanimously condemned bug zappers.” nytimes.com/do-bug-zappers-work/
SPECIALIZED TOOLS and ONE-PURPOSE APPLICANCES
Finally we come to the attractive but questionable tool or appliance that is so specialized it only does one thing. I believe this is an area where most of us have expended a few unnecessary dollars for something that sounds practical and worth the cost, but then turns out to be something we rarely use.
Of course, there are many of these appliances and tools which we use often, such as a vacuum cleaner. The ones in question are often related to the kitchen and cooking, although I imagine home shop and gardening tools have their share. I mean, unless you are impassioned with cooking, who doesn’t want to make things easier in the kitchen?
When related to culinary helps, the tool or appliance is probably redundant. You probably already have something that can perform the same task. Whether or not they are worth the cost and space they occupy depends largely on how much use the item will get and why it needs to be done separately. These appliances are usually not a necessity in a home unless used constantly or for a special reason (like arthritis). These examples were listed on multiple websites as unnecessary.
 ● Electric Egg Cooker Perfectly boiled eggs can be made by, well, boiling them. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Simply reduce or increase the cooking time for soft, medium, or hard-boiled; poach an egg with a slotted spoon and an inch and a half of simmering water. |  ● Bread Maker “This is one of the poster children of unnecessary items. It’s big and clunky, and it only does one thing. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products- waste-of-money/ In fact, it’s redundant since your kitchen already has a bread-making machine-an oven." Price:$100+ |
 ● Popcorn Machine “This is another single-use item that takes up space when there are simpler solutions on hand that yield the same result. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Instead, pop raw kernels, or buy microwave popcorn.” Price: $40 up to $379. |  ● Meat-Shredding Claws “These things look pretty cool for unleashing your inner carnivore, but are probably overkill. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Instead, stick to a couple of forks for your latest crockpot creation.” Price: $10. |
 ●Egg Separator “A dedicated egg separator seems especially superfluous when most of us have long used the shell itself to isolate the yolk and the white. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Price: Around $6. Instead, use the egg shells to separate the yolks from the whites; wear plastic cooking gloves if you want to be extra careful.” |  ●Garlic Press “Most recipes call for chop-ped /minced garlic, not pressed; even when they do, substituting minced is fine. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money The Daily Meal's Dan Meyers says most chefs don't use presses and advise against keeping one of these incredibly hard-to-clean contraptions around. Price: $7 and up. Instead, use the flat side of a good knife or a mortar and pestle.” |
THE TARIFFS
The not-so-humorous side of this discussion relates to the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs. On one hand, President Trump is probably correct when he says Americans can probably get along without buying so much, although that doesn’t lessen the burden on those families which are already struggling just to survive. But I’m not getting into that. I only want to point out what products might go up in price as the result.
WHAT CHINA IMPORTS TO THE US
According to cbsnews.com/ the following are items imported to the US from China. Keep in mind that we are not just talking about finished products but materials that are used to make other item here in the US.
● Down feathers ($1.9 billion)
77% of the country's total imported supply of down. Down is commonly used for insulation in comforters and outerwear.
● Toys, games and sports equipment ($30 billion plus)
73% of the US imports in this category come from China.
● Textile art ($8.6 billion)
Imports from China account for more than 50% of all imported to the US.
● Footwear ($9.8 billion)
This is a biggie in the US. 36% of footwear sold stateside is imported from China, including brand names like Adidas.
● Cutlery and metal tools ($3.1 billion)
Dinner utensils manufactured in China could also start becoming scarce.
● Glassware
Almost 30% of U.S. imports of glassware and other products made of glass comes from China.
● Furniture and bedding ($18.5 billion)
That's 28% of all U.S. imports in the category.
● Apparel ($17.3 billion)
Another big ticket item for Americans. That includes knit or crocheted clothing (almost $10 billion) and not-knit apparel ($7.3 billion).
● Electric Machinery
● Nuclear reactors, boilers and other machinery
● Goods made of iron or steel
● Plastics
The news media is reporting that trade agreements are being reached. Eventually, the general public will find out what that means. In the mean time, be prudent how you spend your money.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/trending-topics
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://declutteringmom.com/the-15-most-useless-items-people-keep-for-no-reason/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/
https://interestingengineering.com/how-to/5-completely-unnecessary-things-you-really-shouldnt-buy
https://bestlifeonline.com/everyday-items-waste-of-money/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1imx1q/biggest_ways_people_waste_money_compiled_from/?rdt=45146
https://wallstreetinsanity.com/16-useless-items-we-all-own-and-never-use/
https://www.thetoptens.com/useless-items-we-all-own-never-use/
https://www.poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/25-unnecessary-wastes-money-you-dont-think-about.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-china-products-tariffs-shortages-us/
https://finance.alot.com/personal-finance/10-items-stock-up-before-tariffs-raise-prices--22140
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/nx-s1-5351324/tariffs-higher-grocery-prices-trump
https://www.eatthis.com/grocery-items-price-hikes-tariffs/
https://tifwe.org/who-determines-what-something-is-worth-it-depends/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-10733-7_2
https://caketokale.com/18-most-useless-kitchen-appliances/
https://www.seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money-the-10-most-useless-kitchen-appliances-you-shouldnt-buy/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/do-bug-zappers-work/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309636/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5377432/
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/08/05/the-16-most-important-issues-to-americans-ranked/
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/04/28/1000-protests-on-may-day-2025-against-trump-what-we-know-may-day-protests-may-day-strong-2025/83324272007/
https://consumersendorse.com/the-5-best-bug-zappers/?utm_source=zapguardian&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=us&utm_term=t5&cmc_adid=ms_77378335342057_486476025&msclkid=3402c3fbbbc610eaa746abe7420e460b
https://consumertestedreviews.org/product/best-mosquito-zapper/?msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1fc8a9fd0a7b5b17&msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1fc8a9fd0a7b5b17&AdGroupId=1329311920772943&AdId=83082222608546&BidMatchType=bp&CampaignId=520510596&msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1f
https://consumereview.org/reviews/keto-pills/?msclkid=9d7ce3868a121a8010408b9b90cf1980&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search%20-%20TCPA%2060&utm_term=weight%20loss%20supplements&utm_content=Search%20-%20Phrase
https://www.moneysmartguides.com/expensive-things-people-buy-then-never-use/#:~:text=This%20article%20looks%20at%2024%20expensive%20things%20people,toys%20like%20bikes%20and%20cars%2C%20you%E2%80%99re%20not%20alone
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-rejects-concerns-prices-economic-uncertainty-defends-agenda-rcna203512.
□
The not-so-humorous side of this discussion relates to the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs. On one hand, President Trump is probably correct when he says Americans can probably get along without buying so much, although that doesn’t lessen the burden on those families which are already struggling just to survive. But I’m not getting into that. I only want to point out what products might go up in price as the result.
WHAT CHINA IMPORTS TO THE US
According to cbsnews.com/ the following are items imported to the US from China. Keep in mind that we are not just talking about finished products but materials that are used to make other item here in the US.
● Down feathers ($1.9 billion)
77% of the country's total imported supply of down. Down is commonly used for insulation in comforters and outerwear.
● Toys, games and sports equipment ($30 billion plus)
73% of the US imports in this category come from China.
● Textile art ($8.6 billion)
Imports from China account for more than 50% of all imported to the US.
● Footwear ($9.8 billion)
This is a biggie in the US. 36% of footwear sold stateside is imported from China, including brand names like Adidas.
● Cutlery and metal tools ($3.1 billion)
Dinner utensils manufactured in China could also start becoming scarce.
● Glassware
Almost 30% of U.S. imports of glassware and other products made of glass comes from China.
● Furniture and bedding ($18.5 billion)
That's 28% of all U.S. imports in the category.
● Apparel ($17.3 billion)
Another big ticket item for Americans. That includes knit or crocheted clothing (almost $10 billion) and not-knit apparel ($7.3 billion).
● Electric Machinery
● Nuclear reactors, boilers and other machinery
● Goods made of iron or steel
● Plastics
The news media is reporting that trade agreements are being reached. Eventually, the general public will find out what that means. In the mean time, be prudent how you spend your money.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/trending-topics
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
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https://finance.alot.com/personal-finance/10-items-stock-up-before-tariffs-raise-prices--22140
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/nx-s1-5351324/tariffs-higher-grocery-prices-trump
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https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/do-bug-zappers-work/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309636/
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/04/28/1000-protests-on-may-day-2025-against-trump-what-we-know-may-day-protests-may-day-strong-2025/83324272007/
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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-rejects-concerns-prices-economic-uncertainty-defends-agenda-rcna203512.
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