With the possibility of tariffs and price increases on the horizon, combined with ongoing promotions and discounts, you might be wondering: how should you approach buying appliances in 2025?
I’ve researched this topic to better understand what could happen and how it might affect your decisions.
In this article, we’ll look at tariff policies from previous years and potential trade policy changes that could affect appliance prices in 2025.
Let’s dive into what we know so far.
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Thermador and Bosch have announced price increases effective January 1, 2025, ranging from 3-8%.
However, they’ve also reduced some programs by 2%, meaning the net increase is closer to 5-10%.
LG plans to raise prices by approximately 6% starting January 15, while GE has scheduled its price increase for February 15.
Sub-Zero announced an 8-13% price hike, as of this writing on March 1.
True and Whirlpool will adjust their prices based on steel tariffs, making their increases more variable.
Meanwhile, 99% of all specialty undercounter refrigerators are expected to see price hikes of 8-25%, largely because most of these units are manufactured in China.
Before you rush to call your local appliance store in a panic, consider two important factors for projects planned in 2025 and 2026:
So, unlike in the past, there’s no automatic urgency to buy early—take the time to weigh your options.
What happens to appliance prices in 2025 largely depends on developments after January 20.
If new tariffs on imports from China or Mexico are implemented, many appliances may see additional price increases.
For example:
Tariffs on these countries could directly impact the cost of these products.
Let’s take a closer look at previous tariff policies.
To understand the potential impact of future tariffs, let’s look tariff policies from 2017-2021 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:
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.
Tariffs on washing machines and their components had a notable impact on major appliance brands.
These tariffs also targeted raw materials like steel and aluminum, further affecting companies such as GE, Samsung, LG, Electrolux, and Whirlpool.
Here’s how they were affected:
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.
One outcome was an increase in U.S.-based manufacturing jobs, as manufacturers like LG and Samsung expanded local production to offset import tariffs.
However, no company could entirely escape the impact of tariffs on steel and aluminum.
These raw materials remain a costly challenge for appliance manufacturing—a problem that affects every brand.
And that’s the crux of the issue. Steel and aluminum are essential for any appliance, and tariffs on these materials ripple through the entire industry.
Despite the tariff-related price increases during 2018–2020, appliance prices dropped significantly by 2024:
Fifteen years ago, I served on the board of our local appliance buying group.
Back then, we primarily focused on the so-called "Power 5"—the top appliance brands that accounted for the majority of sales volume for the average dealer:
Today, I’d add Bosch to that list. At the time, however, Bosch primarily sold dishwashers and wasn’t a major player across all appliance categories.
If tariffs were to increase significantly—such as up to 50%—the added costs would certainly be passed down to you, the consumer.
And with only five manufacturers producing full-size washers, there’s little to stop it.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just the manufacturers. After years of consolidation, there aren’t many major retailers left, either.
Back in 2019, InsideSources published a remarkably accurate article outlining this very problem: Washing Machines, Tariffs, and the Oligopoly Problem.
They saw it coming, and today, after years of shrinking competition, your choices are more limited than ever.
Upcoming trade policies may include higher taxes on imported goods. This could mean:
If these changes take effect, appliance prices could rise, especially for products that depend on imported parts or materials.
Increased Production Costs:
Consumer Price Hikes:
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the appliance industry could face double-digit price increases starting in 2025.
These tariffs won’t just affect foreign brands—domestic manufacturers like Sub-Zero and Whirlpool will also feel the pressure, as higher material costs ripple through the industry.
The appliance industry from 2020 to 2022 was hampered by shortages, largely due to a lack of parts.
This caused significant price increases and long wait times, especially during the remodeling frenzy.
In 2023 and 2024, the situation flipped. Manufacturers overproduced in response to reduced demand, leaving the industry with an inventory surplus.
To clear this glut, they’ve been running nonstop promotions for nearly two years.
The good news? You can now have almost any appliance delivered within a few days.
Even if tariffs are enacted by March, 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 aren’t preemptive (though it’s hard to say if that’s really true).
If tariffs are implemented, however, expect even steeper price hikes in the near future.
This topic has become a bit of an obsession for my Jiu-Jitsu professor turned developer. We talk about this all the time, as his project is set to start and finish in 2026.
Here’s my best advice for buying appliances:
Short-term needs:
Long-term projects:
If tariffs kick in next year, you still have time to plan. Before you buy any appliances, take a moment to compare prices and make sure you're shopping with a trustworthy retailer.
Some appliance stores may have limited ability to hold appliances for extended periods, while others, as seen during the pandemic, may face financial challenges or even closure.
Pro Tip: Always check reviews before placing an order with any store to avoid unnecessary headaches.
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