We asked readers whether they are stocking up on anything in anticipation of tariffs. Here’s what they said, lightly edited for clarity:
“As a butcher, I will say this: If you like ribeye steaks, we do get a lot from Canada. Get them while you can.”
— Mark Racz
“I own a custom woodwork shop in Skokie. We have stocked up on pine and cedar lumber because of the tariffs imposed on Canada. The majority of softwoods and construction lumber that we use here in America come from Canada. The cost of remodeling and new construction are going to skyrocket.”
— Jim Grosse, 64, Lake View
“Maple syrup, hockey pucks, bacon and Canadian whiskey.”
—Robert Lisowski
“Unless something is extremely necessary it won’t be purchased by me. The corporations are rich enough.”
— KayDee Carter
“I wish I could, but most of the food from Mexico is perishable, so no point doing that. As for Canada, I’m going to Aldi and grabbing a couple extra bottles of maple syrup as well as more of those delicious frozen entrees that happen to be made in Canada. Otherwise, being on a fixed income, there’s not much I can do.”
— Mary Clark
“I’m curious, since Canada exports mostly steel, aluminum, nickel, rare earth minerals, oil, potash, uranium, isotopes, electricity and softwoods, which ones are you stocking up on exactly?”
— Poppa
“Absolutely not! I’m practicing growing my food, buying local and learning to homestead so that I won’t need or want for anything.”
— Katt Towasnicki
“Prices of home remodeling material will go up. The color pigments used for vinyl siding come from Mexico.”
— Phillip Nielson
“Can an avocado tree grow indoors in Chicago?”
— Monica Carmean, Rogers Park