Walmart throws cold water on all its members in the United States: it's imminent

The largest supermarket chain in the United States has just announced news that will not sit well with its members. During this first quarter of 2025, Walmart presented its financial results and warned that it faces a significant challenge affecting its prices.

Although its revenue grew by 2.5%, the main problem comes from the tariffs imposed on imported products, especially from China. These tariffs are forcing Walmart to reconsider its prices and, according to its executives, an increase is inevitable in the coming weeks.

Walmart has already warned that a price increase is approaching in its stores

The president and CEO of Walmart, C Douglas McMillon, was clear during the presentation of results: "The immediate challenge is navigating the impact of the tariffs here in the United States." Despite the commitment to low prices, he acknowledged that "we can't absorb all the pressure." This means that the chain is forced to pass some of those costs onto the consumer, according to All Recipes.

Although recently the White House and China agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs to 30%, from a peak of 145%, this measure is still not enough. John David Rainey, Walmart's CFO, explained that "the tariffs are still too high" and predicted that the consumer will notice increases in their purchases very soon.

In fact, Rainey assured CNBC that customers can expect increases from the end of May and a larger increase in June. This will affect not only Chinese products but almost all items in the store, including staple foods.

Which Walmart products will be affected?

Food will be one of the most affected sectors. Walmart has promised not to pass on tariff costs indiscriminately, especially on essential products that are already facing global increases. However, it warned that some imported products like "bananas, avocados, and coffee" could become more expensive due to tariffs.

This news has caused immediate reactions. President Donald Trump posted on his social network Truth Social that Walmart should absorb the tariff costs instead of raising prices for all consumers. Even so, the situation for Walmart is complicated because, as one of its executives explained, "the tariffs are higher than any supplier can bear without raising prices."

For now, Walmart has not specified how much prices will increase or when exactly it will happen in all its stores, including Sam's Club. However, the warning is clear: unless the United States and China reach a favorable agreement, American shoppers will have to prepare to spend more at Walmart.

This announcement represents a significant change for a brand that has been characterized by its "everyday low prices." Additionally, it highlights how tariff policies can directly impact the final consumer's economy.