curiosities

Bad news for U.S. shoppers! How Trump's tariffs could increase prices on popular Costco items

Due to President Trump's tariffs, Costco shoppers can expect price hikes on many Kirkland Signature products.

Items from countries like China and Vietnam are set to become more expensive in Costco, affecting shoppers’ grocery bills. Photo: CNBC
Items from countries like China and Vietnam are set to become more expensive in Costco, affecting shoppers’ grocery bills. Photo: CNBC

As President Donald Trump's tariff takes effect across the world, many economists are warning that prices could increase. Though has since been accepted, with officials explaining that the momentary pain is necessary to create a global trading system that is "fair" for the United States.

Shoppers at Costco, who purchased many products, including food, in bulk to pay a lower price per unit, may begin to seeing higher grocery bills as many of the store's Kirkland Signature products rely on imports to keep prices competitive.

How Trump's tariffs can impact Costco stores across the U.S.

A 2.5-pound bag of Kirkland Signature Fancy Whole Cashews sells at Costco for $16.29, and according to the label, includes nuts sourced from multiple countries such as Vietnam, Brazil and India. The cashews are sent to Vietnam for processing and packaging and then imported to the U.S.

The Trump administration rescinded most of the punitive reciprocal tariffs it had announced on April 2, which would have included a 47 percent duty on goods from Vietnam. Instead, US importers of this product and others from Vietnam, will pay a 10 percent baseline tariff.

This 10 percent tariff will affect imports from close to all countries that Kirkland sources from, with a few exceptions. Nari Viswanathan, senior director of supply chain strategy at Coupa, confirmed to Reader's Digest that “recent tariffs will result in considerable price increases for everyday Costco items.”

Which Kirkland Signature foods could increase as a result of tariffs?

Except for imports from Canada, China, and Mexico, most goods entering the U.S. will be subject to a 10 percent baseline tariff. The extent to which prices will rise depends on how much of the tariff Costco decides to absorb before passing the additional cost onto consumers.

  • Kirkland Signature Dry roasted Macadamia Nuts (1.5 lbs)
  • Imported from: Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Guatemala
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $16.99
  • Kirkland Signature Dried mangoes, sweetened (35 oz)
  • Product of Cambodia
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $11.29
  • Kirkland Signature, organic quinoa (4.5 lbs)
  • Product of Peru
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $11.29
  • Kirkland Signature, whole black peppercorn (14.1 oz)
  • Product of Vietnam
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $7.69
  • Kirkland Signature organic roasted seaweed (0.6 oz, 10-count)
  • Product of the Republic of Korea
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $12.49
  • Kirkland Signature, organic extra virgin olive oil (2L)
  • Contains olives from Portugal, Tunisia, Italy and Turkey
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $12.49
  • Kirkland Signature organic raw honey (24 oz, 3-count)
  • Product of Brazil
  • Price on April 14, 2025: $14.99

The listed prices for imported Kirkland Signature brand foods, as of Monday, April 14 serve as a reference for future price comparisons. Additionally, Costco shoppers should keep in mind that while some products may be package or primarily made in the U.S., they may still contain imported ingredients involved in the production process.