Last week, executives laid out a timetable for when shoppers should expect higher prices in supermarkets.
Trump has since weighed in on the price dispute, warning that he will be watching.
And he appeared to have a three-word message for bosses.
“Between Walmart and China they should, as is said ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING,” the man wrote on Truth Social.
“I will be watching, and so will your customers!”
Bananas and toys are among the items that may see price increases.
Around 60% of the retailer’s products are imported from China.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said the company would do “its best” to keep costs low.
“But given the magnitude of tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we are not able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins,” according to him.
Walmart CFO John Rainey warned that some price changes will go into effect at the end of the month.
He warned customers that prices would rise “much more” in June, according to CNBC.
Rainey appeared to issue a straightforward warning to customers.
“We are wired for everyday low prices, but the magnitude of these increases is more than any retailer can absorb,” he told me.
“It is more than any supplier can handle.
“And so I am concerned that [the] consumer is going to start seeing higher prices.”
Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, revealed that Walmart will “absorb” some of the tariffs.
“Walmart will absorb some of the tariffs,” he told CNN on Sunday.
“Some may get passed on to consumers.”
Walmart stressed that it would keep prices low for as long as possible.
What items will be affected by the tariffs?
AMERICANS should prepare to see significant prices changes on everything from avocados to cars under President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs.
Here is a list of some of the everyday products that could see a massive price tag surge.
- Coffee
- Tea
- Bananas
- Foreign-made cars
- Sneakers
- Furniture and other home goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- Video games
- Clothing
- Toys
- Washers and dryers
- Avocados
- Housing materials
Bill Simon, the retailer’s former CEO, criticized plans to raise prices.
He believes Walmart’s margins give the company the option not to raise prices.
“That sort of gives them room in my view to manage any tariff impact that they would have,” he shared with CNBC.
Meanwhile, retail experts believe Walmart’s admission has given other companies a reason to raise prices.
However, Jason Furman, a Harvard economist, told The Wall Street Journal that Walmart has been effectively cornered.
“This is not Walmart taking advantage,” said the CEO.
“It is Walmart having no choice.”