NYC shoppers stock up as Trumps tariffs loom: Pray to God that we all survive

Thrifty Big Apple shoppers were rushing to stock up on the basics Wednesday after President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs briefly went into effect — before he then announced a 90-day pause.“Pray to God that we all survive,” said Angelia Gonzalez, a 48-year-old mother who was filling her cart at the East Harlem Costco.“I feel some kind of way.

I mean, I have a family.”Gonzalez travelled across town from her longtime home in West Harlem to stock up at the wholesaler over fears that prices will soon skyrocket from Trump’s massive “reciprocal” tariffs, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m.Wednesday.Hours later, Trump, 78, abruptly reversed the levies for most countries, telling reporters at the White House that “yippy” critics and a “queasy” bond market were factors in the decision.

The “Liberation Day” duties had wreaked havoc on the markets since they were announced on April 2.The pause, however, didn’t apply to Chinese imports, with tariffs on the communist country heightened to 125% due to a “lack of respect” from Beijing.“It’s a bummer.But we have to make ends meet however we can,” Gonzalez told The Post of the tariff scheme, explaining that her family sometimes has to live “day by day” depending on how things are going.

Even despite the freeze, customers on the street felt little relief from the change in course.“I’m very worried, but for right now I’m doing all right,” said 45-year-old Julie Stump, explaining that she’d stock up on the essentials if she could — but that she simply doesn’t have the space.“I don’t have enough room in my apartment to bulk up on things but if I did, I would,” she said.“I feel like prices are going to go up and things are going to get scary for a little bit.”Meanwhile, many grocers — particularly shops specializing in imported goods — also remain on edge, and felt little relief after Trump’s freeze.“Everything is so up in the air, so we don’t qui...