Which Costco Items Are Likely to Be Impacted by Tariffs and Which Are Not?

I wrote a post about the likely impact of tariffs on Costco items (Impacts of Tariffs on Costco Prices). As the date for the implementation gets closer (started by the time this is listed), I decided to write about additional items that are likely to be impacted as well as some that are not. Some items across lists actually contradicted each other. In addition, although one article suggests stocking up in items, it is not always possible given the nature of the items (e.g., short expiration dates).

Items Likely to be Impacted by Tariffs

1. Dairy products

The article suggests that members purchase extra dairy products (e.g., butter; yogurt; ice cream) due to the fluctuating prices as a result of gas prices, outbreaks of Avian flu, and global imports (e.g., yogurt; butter).

My family buys many dairy products at Costco on a weekly basis (e.g., milk; yogurt). Although it is unfortunate that some of our favorite items (e.g., yogurt; (Product Review: Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt)) are likely to increase in price, there are limits to how many we can buy at any one time due to expiration dates. 

2. Tomatoes

One produce item likely to be impacted by the tariffs are tomatoes because so many (70%) come from Mexico and are not protected by the agreement that prevents supermarket tariff impacts.

I was unaware of the protection of most supermarket items from tariffs (I am also not sure if Costco qualifies as a “supermarket”). The article suggests buying extra tomatoes when they are more likely to be from the US or Canada (i.e., summer) and using them in canning or freezing. This suggestion is not applicable for me as I like to eat the tomatoes plain (Product review: grape tomatoes). In addition, they seem to be from Mexico in my local stores year round. 

3. Olive Oil

The majority of olives come from the Mediterranean. Therefore, the imposition of tariffs on products from this region are likely to lead to large price increases on olive oil. The article suggests purchasing extra olive oil before any increase, especially due to the long shelf life (up to two years unopened).

I don’t buy olive oil but for those who do, it definitely makes sense to buy extra bottles now. In addition, the article mentions that Costco does sell a variety made in the United States that is less like to be impacted. 

4. Instant Noodles

Costco sells a variety of instant noodles. Due to tariffs imposed on several Asian countries (e.g., South Korea; China), many of these noodles might increase in price. Due to the long shelf life of many of the noodles, the article suggests purchasing extras now.

I don’t buy instant noodles but I would definitely buy more now if I did. Like the olive oil, the article also mentions some noodles that are made in the United States.. 

5. Seaweed Chips

Another item that is likely to be affected due to tariffs affecting Asian countries are these seaweed snacks sourced from South Korea. 

I don’t buy these chips but I have seen seaweed snacks on lists of popular items at Costco.

6. Health Food Seeds

Items sold at Costco that have already  increased in price over the last several years are healthy seeds (e.g., chia; quinoa). The article predicts that the costs will increase even more due to tariffs on countries in Latin America, where most of the seeds are produced.

I have never purchased these seeds at Costco because the packages are just too big. However, I do buy other items with grains from these countries (e.g., granola; (Product Review: Kirkland Ancient Grains granola)). I wonder if those products will also become more expensive.

7. Coffee

Costco sells a variety of coffees, many of which are imported from countries in Latin America. In addition to the impact of weather conditions in these countries, tariffs are likely to significantly affect the coffee prices. Therefore, the article suggests stocking up on coffee now.

I don’t drink coffee but, for those who do, it is definitely a good time to purchase extra, given how much coffee done people go through. I also wonder about the prices at coffee shops. 

8. European Wine and Spirits

Much of the alcohol sold at Costco is imported, with the greatest percentage from Europe. Due to the significant tariffs anticipated on European goods, the article suggests purchasing extra bottles now 

I have written about the alcohol at Costco before and the potential savings (Facts About the Alcohol at Costco); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 1 of 2); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 2 of 2)). Reading about the potential increases is good to know for those who rely on Costco for decent prices on these alcoholic items. 

9. Nuts

The article points out that the nuts at Costco come from several countries. The reliance on other countries is increased further by the decrease in the nut production in the United States. The more countries that are involved, the more likely that prices will be affected by tariffs. Therefore, nuts are an item likely to increase in price. In addition, tariffs on steel and aluminum are likely to lead to increases in costs of canned nuts. The article suggests buying extra nuts and storing them in the freezer before the prices increase too much. 

I have written about some of the nuts at Costco before (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts); (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Super Extra-Large Peanuts)). Many of the nuts are now sold in bags, but the peanuts are still sold in cans. I hope they do not become too expensive. Although I know I could buy extra packages now and freeze them (and have seen how well frozen nuts last when I used to freeze walnuts for baking), I doubt I will.

10. Eggs

Eggs have fluctuated in price over the last several years. Although they temporarily decreased in price after a period of increased prices due to the avian flu, the expectation is for an upcoming increase. The United States can no longer produce as many eggs as in the past, leading to reliance on other countries. Thus, egg prices are likely to be impacted by tariffs.

I have certainly been aware of the changes in the prices of eggs over the last several years. I still remember being able to buy a dozen for under $1 at local grocery stores. When that was no longer possible, Costco was the best option for the least expensive eggs. The prices increased everywhere (including Costco) over the last few years. Given how much of a staple eggs are, I certainly hope that they don’t continue to increase too much. 

11. Tea

Costco sells a variety of teas from other countries (e.g., Taiwan; Japan). The tariffs on items from several of these countries are likely to impact the costs of the teas. 

I don’t drink much tea but, as with coffee, I can see the increases significantly impacting a lot of people.

12. Beef

The article cautions that, although Costco enables members to save on meat, it may no longer be possible for several reasons. While demand has not decreased, cattle has, thud increasing reliance on other countries. Therefore, tariffs will likely have an impact on beef prices. 

I don’t buy meat but it is certainly good for people to plan ahead if they have space to freeze extra meat. 

13. French Cookies

Due to the proposed tariffs on European countries, it is likely that prices will increase on the French cookies available at Costco. Therefore, members may benefit by purchasing extras of these items and freezing them before tariffs take effect.

Again, I don’t eat these items but it is good to know to help people prepare.

14. Lemonade

Lemonade is an item expected to increase in price due to damage to citrus crops in the United States. This damage leads to an increase in reliance on the citrus in other countries, making them more susceptible to tariffs. 

I don’t buy lemonade at Costco but it is he to know about citrus prices because my family goes through a lot of orange juice and other citrus fruits (e.g., lemons; oranges; grapefruits). Obviously, there is a limit to how many fresh fruits one can buy at a time. However, it is helpful to know that there might be significant increases to think about other options ahead of time. 

Items Likely to be Safe From Tariffs (Made in the USA)

1. Kirkland Signature Premium Extra Thick Steak Strips

One item likely to be unaffected by the tariffs are these steak strips. They are made in the United States and popular for their texture and seasoning.

Price definitely doesn’t affect me for this item! 

2. Best of Hawaii Gift Set

The article mentions that, because it is made in the United States, this gift set is unlikely to be affected by tariffs. Members have positively reviewed this set that contains a variety of Hawaiian snacks and drinks (Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts; Caramel Macadamia Popcorn Crunch; Choco Mochi; Mele Macs, 100% Moloka Coffee; Chocolate Covered Pineapple)

I have never heard of this item and I don’t tend to give gift sets. However, given how pricey these types of sets can be, it is nice for those buying them to know that the cost is likely to remain stable. 

3. Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn

One popular item at Costco that is likely to be unaffected by tariffs is this popcorn, sources in the United States. The popcorn is popular for its convenience and taste. 

I have not tried this popcorn as I have not made microwave popcorn in decades. However, it does sound good and I imagine that it is a repeat purchase for many, this making it even better that it will not likely increase significantly in price.

4. Bobbie Organic Formula

The article points out that, because this formula is from the United States (vs from Europe) , it will not be impacted by tariffs. 

Clearly, there are concerns about the substantial increases on prices of goods from Europe. Therefore, people can feel better about needed items from the United States. 

5. Kirkland Signature Minced California Garlic

The many members who rave about the quality of the garlic at Costco will likely be happy to know that it is from the United States. 

I don’t buy garlic and had actually never thought about where it typically comes from. 

6. Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter

A staple that is made in the United States is the peanut butter. 

As someone who likes this peanut butter very much LziNK, I am pleased to know that it will likely not be impacted by tariffs. 

7. Kirkland Signature Fresh Mozzarella

A cheese product that is both popular and comes from the United States is this cheese.

Certainly many popular cheeses come from other countries. Therefore, it is helpful for those who buy cheese at Costco know that at least some options are unlikely to significantly increase in price. 

8. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt

The article points out that the Kirkland Greek yogurt comes from the United States. 

I am a little confused because the article about the items that likely will be affect by tariffs specifically mentioned the Kirkland yogurt (apparently sources from Germany). I certainly hope that it is not affected because I love it and buy it every week (Product Review: Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt).

9. Kirkland Signature Organic Tomato Paste

The many members who like this tomato paste can be reassured that the tomatoes come from the United States.

It is interesting that this item is sourced in the United States whereas tomatoes were mentioned as an item likely to be significantly affected by tariffs. 

10. Blue Diamond Almonds

These almonds come from the United States, protecting them from the impact of tariffs.

Nuts were mentioned above as an item likely to impacted by tariffs. However, clearly not all nuts will be impacted, as some do come from the United States. 

11. Snapware Pyrex Glass Food Storage Set

The one non-food item on the list of items not likely to be impacted by tariffs is this good storage set, due to its being produced in the United States. 

I don’t know anything about this set but, given how many items we made in other countries, I suppose it is rare to find sets like this from the United States. 

Are you surprised by any items on either list? Will either affect your purchases?