If you’re like a lot of RVers who rely on Walmart for groceries, RV supplies, and just about everything else, here’s some news: Walmart is raising prices. And it has to do with tariffs—taxes on imports. Walmart recently released its first quarter financial report for 2025, and the bad news popped up—Walmart will raise prices.
Despite increase in U.S. sales, Walmart will raise prices
Walmart made $4.45 billion in the first three months of 2025—which is still a big number—but it’s down from $5.1 billion a year ago. That dip is partly because the company is paying more for goods from overseas, especially from China. Even though “Wally’s” sales are strong (up 4.5% in U.S. stores), those extra costs are eating into profits.
The current administration’s trade policies mean higher taxes on imported goods. The original threat was a 145% tariff on Chinese products, but that was recently reduced to 30% in a deal announced May 12. Even at that lower level, it’s enough to force Walmart to raise prices. The company says it just can’t cover the extra cost on its own.
Wally CEO: “We aren’t able to absorb all the pressure”
Walmart’s CEO, Doug McMillon, put it plainly: “We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible. But given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins.” McMillion made the statement on an earnings call Thursday, May 15. He added, “The higher tariffs will result in higher prices.”
While some tariffs might not affect everyone—tariffs on China are raising costs on electronics and toys, for example—there are some things that will hit all of us. McMillon warned some food costs are going up from tariffs on Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia.
What it means for RVers on the road
Walmart isn’t going anywhere—it’s still growing—and sales of essentials like groceries and health products are doing especially well. But if you’re stocking up on basics or need RV gear, clothes, or stuff for your grandkids, you may notice prices creeping up. Even though two-thirds of Walmart’s products are made or grown in the U.S., the store still relies on imported goods—the kinds of items RVers often pick up on the go.
How are other retailers faring?
Walmart’s in better shape than many, thanks to its strong grocery sales and solid online shopping game. (E-commerce sales jumped 22% last quarter. Look out, Amazon!) But other stores are also feeling the pressure. Many stopped importing products from China while tariffs were high, but now they’re rushing to bring things in before the next round hits—meaning shipping costs are spiking, too.
Amazon is handling things a little differently. It stocked up on inventory before the tariffs kicked in. That’s why, for now, many of its sellers haven’t raised prices—but that could change later in the year.
Bottom line for RVers
- Walmart is raising prices. Expect slightly higher ones this summer and fall.
- Groceries will still be your best bet for low prices—they’re mostly U.S.–sourced.
- Gear up early if you can—prices on imported items may rise later in the year.
- Amazon may stay cheaper for now, but even it could feel the pinch down the road.
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RVT1209
Pay more and get less …it’s the wally way.
that’s actually the new administration way. Walmart has nothing to do with it. They will keep their margin rate
If the goal, as you state, is for higher prices then this administration is failing at it terribly because CORE inflation is at a 4 year low….. and thus, so are the adjusted prices. Saying something over and over and over just doesn’t make it so. No matter how much you and the MSM cheer for failure and wish for higher prices, Dave R, they are simply going down no matter how much you wish them and inflation to remain high. From eggs 2 Gas, lower prices and high employment for all.
Telling lies over and over doesn’t make it so either…ie; the current administration.
Well, Russ and Tiña sure don’t like it when facts are posted. They just DELETE! SAD!!!
Russ and Tiña have nothing to do with moderating comments, and I haven’t deleted any today (although I should have). So, guess again. –Diane
So, where did my comment “Waiting for Approval” go??????? You know, the one about the lies during the last 2 years of the Biden and his inability to have a coherent thought that was PROVED by the Hur tape? How the democrats & mass media lied about it, covered it up, etc?????
I guess you can say it wasn’t deleted, only “not approved” huh. SAME THING!!!!!!
I’m not the only moderator here, so someone else deleted it. (Sorry for the delay in approving your comment held by our system for moderation. Was fixing dinner, doing laundry, etc.) –Diane
HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. My response is waiting for your approval.
You were lied to during the last 2 years of the prior administration. All you have to do is listen to the Hur tapes!
No surprise.
Walmart prices are increasing because of the extra employees they have to hire for online shoppers. At least half of the employees at our local Walmart are pushing big carts around filling orders.
Plus, these people have no regard for a normal shopper. They block aisles, exit an aisle without looking, and are generally ignorant when asked a question.
I know if I ever get injured by one of these carts, Walmart will have a major lawsuit against them.
Very good news indeed. Tarrifs on American products into China are now 50% lower, down to 10% from the old 20% which should help open up that 1.3 billion person market to us and likewise, Tarrifs on Chinese products into the USA are now at 10% plus the 20% Fentanyl kicker. Thank you Russ and Tina for a well balanced report.
Yes I commented on the reduction of Tarrifs last week and asked when Russ and Tina was going to do an article on how that would effects RVers
Rvtravel took my post down in about 10 minutes
Not news, prices have gone up noticeably last 4 years, receipts prove that. Inflation finally cooling down.
Where?
And yet, they are reporting record profits once again.
Despite the walk back by the administration tariffs are still at 37.5% coming in from China vs. 7.5-15% pre announcements. Prices are rising already. Get ready.
Not information I read my understanding is the same as what cancelproof indicated but it’s for 90 days with more negotiations upcoming
And no I don’t watch Fox News for my info
Who do you watch, Mad Dog Maddox on MSNBC?
Nope
Neither do I….don’t like propaganda that much.
And now, the rest of the story. Core Inflation hit a 4 year low last week even with the tarriff price increases that some claim will drive our nation into ruin. American private sector jobs in the first quarter saw the largest increases in decades as a percentage of jobs created when normalized against pandemic recovery jobs.
Lets visit again Dave R, after 200 days.
“On day one I will end the war in Ukraine”…”I will also bring prices down”….still waiting.
Oh we’re ready…ready for seeing out great nation standing proud and We The People havour country back! 🇺🇸
*having
walmart takes over a market area, then raises prices. lots of items I can find cheaper elsewhere including food
It’s nice knowing others are turning away from Walmart! 🇺🇸
Every tariff driven product price increase is an indicator of if you’ve been supporting an American worker or a foreign worker. It comes down to if you want to employ a stranger overseas to save a buck or your community’s next graduating class.
Speaking of jobs, those self check out stations that eliminate workers while forcing customers to be temporary unpaid Walmart employees?
They’re made either in Beijing China, Budapest Hungary or Chengalpattu, India. The good news is they’re subject to tariffs as well.
🇺🇸
Russ and Tina are nice folks, but I’m not sure they’re economic experts. Sure, there is a trade war, finally, with China because we finally have a POTUS who isn’t shaking down China for “left pocket” millions, but one who is standing up to China and their massive imbalance of trade policy with the U.S. The Chinese Communist Party takes a huge percentage of the profit money from American companies doing business in China. It takes some big stones to stand up to China and the U.S. media, just like Russ and Tina like to use the word “tax” after tariffs, or the American people won’t stand for higher prices from China.
🇺🇸
It takes bigger stones to stop electing money grubbers who line the pockets of the rich at the expense of working folks.
Money grubber? So the guy that got rich before entering politics is the money grubber and not the guy who got rich because of politics? The guy who sold access to power, sold his influence to Russia and China a’la 10% for the big guy is the clean one but the guy who stands up to China is not?
Try 1-800-TDS-CURE , also good for late stage TDS.
BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The sky is falling……….
Prices have barely started to increase due to tariffs. But this will change within the next month. Los Angeles, the nation’s largest port, reported a few days ago that it had no ships from China currently heading to their port. That was a big zero- and the same was true for the port of Seattle. Companies have gotten by until now because they stocked up in anticipation of the tariffs. Shortages will hit soon and so will price increases.
“No ships from China”…may it stay that way! 🇺🇸
The last I heard they are sending lots of ships as the Chinese factory workers were about to revolt! China was closing down the factories and sending their workers home. FYI – They don’t get unemployment, food stamps, etc!!!
The day that Walmart closes every store will be the day of celebration for small businesses and communities nationwide! 🇺🇸
I seldom shop there. The problem is no matter where you shop, 90% of the stuff sold is Chinese junk.
Is there anything, any subject, any policy of the Trump administration that the writers approve of??
Ive yet to see one.
How about the dropping fuel prices that saved us around $700.00 this past winter.
Whoopy now we can buy more China junk.
Fair question
Funny how they are on their soapbox screaming about prices going up yet not a peep that inflation is down, and going down. They are quick to point out the tariffs are tax, but never seem to grasp the concept inflation is too! You know, that thing the Dcrat sent through the roof during the last administration.
And another point on tariffs. My country, Canada, has imposed excessive tariffs duties and taxes on US products for decades. Finally a president who has had enough of the kid brother living free in mom and dad’s basement.
Trumps tariffs on Canada are a reaction to the protectionism we have practiced for decades.
Well Mr. Doug McMillon CEO, charge what you may. You ain’t the only game in town…that’s the beauty of capitalism.
Thank you for the news and inherent warnings, Russ and Tina! Have a great week and safe travels!