'Not a good sign': Tampa Walmart customers react to possible price increases from tariffs
Share this @internewscast.com

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Officials from Walmart have announced that the American tariffs on Chinese imports will soon impact millions of customers, with these price increases possibly arriving in the coming weeks.

NBC News highlighted potential price surges on items like bananas, coffee, avocados, and flowers due to tariffs on the countries supplying these products to the U.S. However, Walmart executives indicated that price adjustments might occur on other products that now have tariffs imposed on them.

“We’ve not seen a period where you’ve had prices go up this high this quickly,” said John David Rainey, Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer.

Several shoppers at the Dale Mabry Walmart have observed gradual price increases over time, but they are eager to find out exactly how much their costs might escalate.

“It’s supposed to be for low-income individuals that are struggling. Inflations already up. That’s not a good sign for people with average incomes and (who) aren’t doing too great right now,” said one Walmart shopper.

There’s a lot of uncertainty. Rainey described the challenge of not knowing what the demand will be in order to help manage the flow of inventory.

Earlier this week, President Trump and the Treasury Secretary reached a deal to lower the tariff on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%.

University of South Florida Economics Professor Christopher Jones said there is nothing that will kill an economy’s growth faster than uncertainty in the marketplace, when it comes to price ranges.

“Their only option is to pass along the level of that tax to consumers, because otherwise they might lose money on the sale of those items,” Jones said. “I think what Walmart is doing as the world’s largest brick and mortar retailer is setting a message saying, ‘Mr. President, please make a decision and stick with it, because if you continue to do this, it’s going to rock the marketplace all the way down to the consumer’.”

Rainey acknowledged the progress and said he appreciates the Trump Administration’s efforts to get the tariffs to their current level.

“It’s still too high for consumers. We’d like to see them come down more,” Rainey said.

But most people don’t need a CFO to tell them that. Take it from the millions of customers who rely on the brand “Save Money. Live Better.”

“They got to keep those prices down for people,” said a Walmart shopper.

Jones encourages people to do what they need to do for the here and now but recommends holding off on big ticket purchases out of Walmart, he said until the dust settles and there is a better idea of where the tariffs will sit.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Bristol, TN Council Advances Six-Month Halt on New Permanent Campgrounds

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has given initial…

Fast Food Chains Tempt Valentine Diners with Unique Caviar McNuggets and Heart-Shaped Pizzas

The classic pairing of chicken nuggets with a touch of caviar has…

Nate Bargatze Appointed as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – On Sunday, comedian and actor Nate Bargatze will…

Rising Demand at Johnson City Salvation Army as Temperatures Drop

In Johnson City, Tennessee, the local branch of the Salvation Army has…

Fatal Head-on Collision in Brevard County Claims One Life, Report Troopers

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A tragic head-on collision in Brevard County resulted…

Bristol, Va. Woman Faces Sentencing for Fentanyl Possession

BRISTOL, Va. — In a significant development, a woman received a sentence…

Greeneville Seeks Fresh Leadership: City Council on the Hunt for New Manager

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – During Tuesday’s gathering, the Greeneville City Council focused…

Kenya Introduces Tax Incentives for EV Components and Charging Infrastructure to Accelerate Transition to Electric Vehicles

NAIROBI – In a strategic move to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption,…

Trump Seeks $1 Billion from Harvard Amid Intensifying Standoff

WASHINGTON – In a renewed clash, President Donald Trump is now demanding…

LIVE Coverage: Father & Son Face Court in Shocking JC Store Clerk Murder Case

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A father-son duo is set to appear…

Judge Commends Grandfather’s Impactful Statement in Tava Woodard Murder Case

In a poignant moment within the courtroom in Jonesborough, Tennessee, First Judicial…

Police Arrest Suspect in Ocala Bar Shooting: One Injured

OCALA, Fla. – A man, aged 34, found himself under arrest early…