How to Shop for Cost-saving Appliances | NEA Member Benefits

President Trump has officially signed the tariff bill into law.

This will have a profound impact on appliances.

In this updated article, you’ll learn how the appliance industry has responded and what to expect when buying appliances in and beyond.

Key takeaway: Start shopping now. Get a quote, track prices, and buy before the tariffs drive them up - if you can. I’ll also share some less obvious strategies to help you navigate these changes.

Let's dive in.

Appliance Price Increases in Early : What to Expect

Thermador and Bosch already raised prices by an average of 3 to 7% as of January 1. However, they also reduced some programs by 2%, bringing the net increase closer to 5 to 10%.

LG implemented a 6% price increase on January 15, while GE has scheduled its hike for June 30. 

You might assume that American manufacturers like Sub-Zero, BlueStar, Viking, and Whirlpool would be unaffected.

However, they rely heavily on foreign components, especially steel and key compressor parts.

True and Whirlpool will adjust their prices based on steel tariffs, making their increases more unpredictable.

Meanwhile, 99% of all specialty undercounter refrigerators are expected to see price hikes of 8 to 25% since most are manufactured in China.

Before you rush to call your local appliance store in a panic, consider two key factors for projects planned in and :

• Interest Rates: You’re still earning 4 to 4.5% interest on your savings, meaning money in the bank holds value, unlike in to .
• Financing Options: Many retailers still offer 0% financing for 12 months, allowing you to buy appliances sooner and spread the cost over a year. But do not miss a payment or finance carelessly. These companies charge nearly 30% interest.

For now, the EU (European Union) has been spared, so brands like AGA, La Cornue, Miele, and Beko remain unaffected, at least in the short term.

Unlike in past years, there’s no immediate urgency to buy early. Take your time and weigh your options.

In , the appliance industry faced the perfect storm: supply chain issues, tariffs, and a frenzy of home improvement spending.

This time, there’s no buying frenzy and no supply chain crisis - at least not yet.

Here is what happened last time: 

A Brief History of Tariffs and Appliance Costs (–)

To understand the potential impact of future tariffs, let’s look tariff policies from - and their effect on the appliance industry.

During this period, a series of tariffs significantly influenced appliance pricing and availability.

Here’s a breakdown of the key measures:

1. Washing Machines (January )

• Tariff Details: A 20% tariff was applied to the first 1.2 million washing machines imported annually, with a 50% tariff on quantities exceeding that threshold.
• Outcome: Many appliance manufacturers found ways to avoid these tariffs over time, mitigating some of their impact.

2. Steel and Aluminum (March )

• Steel Tariff: A 25% tariff was placed on imported steel.
• Aluminum Tariff: Imported aluminum faced a 10% tariff.
• Effect: These materials are essential for appliance construction, leading to higher production costs and, ultimately, increased prices for consumers.

3. Chinese Imports (–)

• Section 301 Tariffs: In response to alleged unfair trade practices, the U.S. imposed tariffs on roughly $370 billion worth of Chinese goods:
  • First Tranche (July ): 25% tariffs on $34 billion of imports.
  • Second Tranche (August ): 25% tariffs on an additional $16 billion.
  • Third Tranche (September ): 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods, later increased to 25% in May .
  • Fourth Tranche (September ): 15% tariffs on $112 billion worth of imports.
• Financial Impact: These measures resulted in over $74 billion in additional tariffs collected by the U.S. government.

This tariff strategy had significant financial implications for the appliance industry.

While prices increased, many of the 10–35% promotional discounts that we once relied on disappeared.

Impact on Manufacturers and Consumers (–)

President Trump’s tariffs on washing machines, their components, and raw materials like steel and aluminum had a major impact on the appliance industry.

Brands like GE, Samsung, LG, Electrolux, and Whirlpool were all affected.

Here’s what changed:

1. Price Increases:

• Consumer Costs: Tariffs led to higher prices for washing machines and related appliances. A study found that laundry equipment costs rose by approximately 12%, adding $86–$92 per unit for consumers, along with a loss of $100–$150 in promotional discounts.
• Dryer Prices: Although dryers weren’t directly subject to tariffs, manufacturers increased their prices (5–17%) alongside washers since the two are often sold as sets.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions:

• Tariffs on Chinese imports, including electronic components, disrupted established supply chains.
• Manufacturers were forced to seek alternative suppliers or absorb increased costs, further compounded by tariffs on steel and aluminum, which affected all manufacturers.

How Appliance Manufacturers Responded to Tariffs

Steep tariffs forced appliance manufacturers to adapt quickly.

Samsung and LG expanded their U.S. factories to reduce reliance on imports.

Others, like Whirlpool, GE Appliances, and Electrolux, faced different challenges. Some focused on U.S. production, while others struggled with higher costs and supply chain issues.

The following section shows how each company responded, including their key investments and setbacks.

Manufacturer Responses

LG

• Location: Clarksville, Tennessee.
• Facility Details: LG completed its one-million-square-foot home appliance plant at the end of . The facility operates three production lines for front-load and top-load washing machines and dryers, with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million washers and 600,000 dryers.
• Employment: The factory employs over 900 workers. By , LG invested an additional $20.5 million to expand operations, create new jobs, and produce more appliances beyond washers.

Samsung

• Location: Newberry County, South Carolina.
• Facility Details: Samsung’s first U.S.-based home appliance plant began production in January . Initially focused on washing machines, the facility now manufactures more than a million units annually, including their popular Bespoke refrigerators.
• Employment: Samsung started with 540 workers in and aimed to create nearly 1,000 jobs by . By , the plant had grown to employ 1,500 people.

Whirlpool

• Initial Support: Whirlpool initially supported the tariffs, expecting a competitive edge against foreign manufacturers.
• Challenges: However, their lean manufacturing approach, focused on minimal inventory, made them highly vulnerable to rising steel costs. As a result, Whirlpool was hit the hardest by the increased costs of raw materials, especially steel.

GE Appliances

• Ownership: GE Appliances is owned by the Chinese company Haier.
• Resilience: Surprisingly, GE was one of the least affected manufacturers. Most of their production is U.S.-based, shielding them from major supply chain disruptions.
• Inventory Management: GE's more aggressive inventory strategy further helped mitigate the impact of rising material costs, especially compared to domestic competitors like Whirlpool.

Electrolux

• Initial Setbacks: Electrolux, a Swedish company, faced challenges due to the tariffs. In March , they delayed a $250 million investment in a Tennessee plant, citing concerns over the increased costs of imported steel and aluminum.
• Later Investment: By June , the company proceeded with the investment, possibly using the initial delay as a strategic bluff to weather the uncertain tariff environment.

Who Benefited from Tariffs—and Who Struggled?

In the end, the biggest winner was the American worker.

Manufacturers like LG and Samsung created thousands of U.S. jobs to avoid import tariffs on finished products.

Electrolux eventually invested in the U.S. after some initial hesitation.

However, no company could fully escape the impact of tariffs on steel and aluminum.

These raw materials remain a costly challenge for appliance manufacturing, affecting every brand.

Luckboil Product Page

And that’s the crux of the issue.

Steel and aluminum are essential to every appliance, and tariffs on these materials send shockwaves through the entire industry.

Price Comparisons: –

Despite the tariff-related price increases during –, appliance prices dropped significantly by :

Washing Machines

• GE GFD65ESSVWW: $1,099 in vs. $799-$899 in .
• LG WMCW: $799–$849 in vs. $599–$899 in .

Dishwashers

• KitchenAid KDTE204KPS: $1,049 in vs. $849 in .

New Tariffs on Appliances: What They Mean for Prices

  Appliance Tariff Cheat Sheet 

First, the tariffs were set at 25% on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China.

My first thought - why Canada?

Then it hit me. We import a ton of wood from Canada, which means the cost of building a house just went up.

How the Tariffs Impact Appliance Manufacturing by Country

Here’s what’s directly affected by the new tariffs on appliances:

Mexico: 25%

Appliances and Components from Mexico

• Refrigerators and Freezers: Many Whirlpool, GE, and Electrolux refrigerators, especially built-in and high-end models, are manufactured in Mexico.
• Cooking Appliances: Wolf, GE, Whirlpool, and Electrolux produce some ranges, cooktops, and ovens in Mexico.
• Dishwashers: Several brands, including Whirlpool and GE, have production facilities in Mexico.
• Washers and Dryers: Whirlpool, Electrolux, and some Samsung and LG laundry units come from Mexican plants. However, this likely won’t affect Samsung and LG much. They will simply shift production to their U.S. plants - which is the whole point of the tariffs.
• Motors and Compressors: Many refrigeration compressors used in Whirlpool and GE products are made in Mexico.
• Electronics and Circuit Boards: Control boards and electronic components for smart appliances are often produced in Mexico.

Canada: 25%

Appliances and Components from Canada

• High-End Refrigeration: Some premium appliance brands source parts or assemble refrigeration components in Canada.
• Steel and Aluminum Components: Canada is a major supplier of raw materials like steel and aluminum, both essential for appliance manufacturing.
• Water Filtration Components: Certain filtration systems used in refrigerators and water dispensers are produced in Canada.

China: 10%

Appliances and Components Affected by Chinese Tariffs

1. Major Appliances Partially or Fully Manufactured in China

• Refrigerators: Some budget and mid-range refrigerators from brands like Haier, Hisense, and even certain GE models (since Haier owns GE Appliances) are made in China. This likely won’t have a major impact, as many of these brands aren’t widely sold.
• Microwaves: A significant percentage of countertop microwaves come from China, including models from GE, Panasonic, and Sharp.
• Portable and Compact Appliances: Air purifiers, dehumidifiers, portable AC units, and small kitchen appliances like toasters and coffee makers are often manufactured in China.

2. Key Appliance Components from China

• Compressors: Many refrigerator compressors, including those used in brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool, are made in China.
• Circuit Boards and Electronics: Smart features, touch panels, and control boards in nearly every modern appliance rely on Chinese-made electronics.
• Motors and Fans: Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ventilation systems all depend on motors, many of which are produced in China.
• Steel and Aluminum Parts: While raw materials may come from elsewhere, many stamped metal parts and casings are manufactured in China.
• Even LED Lighting: The interior LED lights in fridges and ovens? Often sourced from China.

Impact on Appliance Prices

Increased Production Costs

Any Chinese imports will become significantly more expensive.

While many appliance manufacturers have U.S.-based production, certain products - especially cooking appliances and refrigeration units - will be hit hard due to reliance on imported components and tariffs on steel.

Consumer Price Hikes

As with previous tariffs, manufacturers are likely to pass these increased costs directly to consumers, leading to higher appliance prices across the board.

Broader Economic Effects

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the appliance industry could see double-digit price increases starting in . That has already begun.

These tariffs won’t just impact foreign brands. Domestic manufacturers like Sub-Zero and Whirlpool will also feel the squeeze as rising material costs ripple through the industry.

But can some of these components be made in the U.S. to create more American jobs?

In the short term, no - but hopefully, that changes in the long run.

Some Good News on Buying Appliances in

The appliance industry from to was hampered by shortages, mostly due to a lack of parts. This led to major price increases and long wait times, especially during the remodeling frenzy.

In and , the situation flipped. Manufacturers overproduced in response to slowing demand, leaving the industry with an inventory surplus.

To clear the excess, they’ve been running nonstop promotions for nearly two years.

Seriously, it’s been Black Friday for almost two years.

The good news? You can now get almost any appliance delivered within a few days.

Even if tariffs kick in soon, you still have time to plan.

Yes, most prices will go up by February 1, but your bank account is still earning interest.

For long-term projects, waiting might make sense. Then again...

The current price increases are significant, but manufacturers insist they weren’t preemptive. Whether that’s true is another question.

If tariffs are implemented, expect even steeper price hikes in the near future.

Canada, Mexico, and China will all impose tariffs on American goods in response, and this could spiral out of control.

So be careful.

So, How Do You Buy Appliances in ?

This topic has become a bit of an obsession for my Jiu-Jitsu professor turned developer. We talk about it all the time, especially since his project is set to start and finish in .

What should he do? This is not the guy I want to give bad advice to.

Here’s my best advice (my educated guess) for buying appliances:

Short-Term Needs

If you need appliances soon, buy them now.

You can wait a bit for Thermador, Bosch, and LG since they already had their first round of price increases. 

The upcoming price increases for brands such as GE, BSH, and Fisher & Paykel are expected in the summer of .

You’ll likely save 6–10% by purchasing before tariffs fully take effect.

Long-Term Projects

For projects planned further out, aim to buy before tariffs and supply chain issues drive costs up.

Get a quote from your local dealer and purchase before major increases hit or before the constant promotions fluctuating between 10–35% disappear.

Tariffs will likely take effect later in the year, giving you some time to plan.

Be Cautious About Where You Buy

Not all appliance stores can hold products for extended periods. Many don’t have the warehouse space or financial structure to store appliances long-term.

Worse, as we saw during the pandemic, some stores went out of business - taking customers’ money with them.

Pro Tip: Always check reviews before placing an order. Google “[store name] delivery” and look for reports of delays. Be very careful.

As always, at least get a quote and monitor prices before any increase.

Appliance Buying Decision Matrix

Additional Resources

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