Panic Buying is Back!

We are called to live by faith, not fear. Yet history has shown how the elite have used fear to manipulate and gain control.

In 2020, we saw grocery store shelves stripped bare and toilet paper become a prized possession. Today, a new wave of panic buying has begun, sparked by fresh economic uncertainty—and this time, it’s not just about basic necessities.

Across the country, Americans are scrambling to secure everything from smartphones to designer handbags, anticipating the financial ripple effects of a rapidly intensifying trade war with China. The cause? A sweeping increase in tariffs that may touch every part of our consumer-driven economy.

The Tariff Tidal Wave

According to a White House official speaking to CNBC, President Trump’s latest executive order raises tariffs on Chinese imports from 84% to a staggering 125%—stacked on top of a 20% fentanyl-related tariff already in place. That brings the total U.S. tariff rate on Chinese goods to a jaw-dropping 145%. This massive leap is already shaking consumer confidence and pressuring the global supply chain. If the 2020 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that global disruptions can hit home fast—and hard.

Apple Frenzy: iPhone Panic Buying

One clear example is the rush to Apple stores, where a “full-blown buying spree” has erupted. Shoppers are snatching up iPhones amid projections that production costs could spike by hundreds of dollars. In Richmond, Virginia, one father bought his daughter an iPhone 16 Plus—in April—for Christmas. “I have no idea what it will cost then,” he said. “Nothing is certain, and that’s the new normal.”

Amazon and the Global Domino Effect

Our dependency on China goes beyond gadgets. Roughly 70% of goods sold on Amazon originate from China. A senior Amazon executive recently warned that price hikes are inevitable as third-party sellers pass costs along to consumers. Experts say if this trade standoff continues, it could rival—or even surpass—the economic shock of the pandemic.

Bible Prophecy and Economic Sanctions

In times like these, wisdom requires more than economic analysis. It calls for spiritual discernment. Bible prophecy has long warned of wars and rumors of wars, and the threat of economic sanctions has historically deterred China from invading Taiwan. But with global markets on edge, leaders may see chaos as opportunity, meaning the Chinese may come to the conclusion that this is actually a perfect time to make a move on Taiwan.

This growing rift with China is more than a political scuffle; it’s a global flashpoint with potentially prophetic implications.

A World Without Borders: The True Cost of Imports

Panic buying is now hitting unexpected sectors: furniture, shoes, coffee, tea, and even avocados. The U.S. imports 80% of its avocados and much of its coffee from countries like Kenya, Colombia, and Brazil. Tea, largely grown in China and India, is nearly impossible to produce domestically due to climate demands. The impact on American lifestyles is beginning to show. Financial advisors are already urging clients to maintain older vehicles longer, warning that car parts could become harder and more expensive to source.

The End of Duty-Free Deals

Another major policy shift? The closure of the de minimis loophole. Previously, Americans could receive shipments under $800 without paying import taxes. That window is now shutting. In 2024 alone, over 1.3 billion de minimis shipments were processed—many small, direct-from-China purchases aimed at avoiding tariffs.

As one Canadian executive put it, “We used to drive an hour to the U.S. border just to ship duty-free to American customers.” That convenience may soon be gone.

Understanding Panic Buying: Experts Weigh In

According to Forbes, panic buying is, “a state of erratic human behavior that can occur when an individual believes there’s a real or perceived shortage of basic supplies upon which they rely. This fear or anxiety may lead to overspending, stockpiling, or hoarding.” The article said this happens because people want to be in control in uncertain times. Well, we do live in uncertain times.

For those who are aware of the day in which we live, let’s ask the question, how is prepping different than panic buying? A professor at Northeastern University offers this answer, “Disaster preparedness refers to purchases made to keep your family alive while panic buying could be associated with purchases meant to keep your family comfortable. When preparing for a disaster, people want to ensure that they have access to a broad list of items for a certain period of time”

A recent study from the State University of New York said there are many reasons people may find themselves with a cart full of toilet paper. Uncertainty, fear, anxiety, a lack of trust, the perception of a crisis, a means of coping and a means of gaining control, are all said to be potential reasons for panic buying behavior. “The decision to panic buy is anchored in others’ behaviors, and you become fearful that if you’re not making a move first—or joining the herd—you won’t have access to the goods, products, or services you want.”

Faith, Preparedness, and a Call to Action

In times of crisis, those around us—friends, neighbors, and co-workers—may act out of fear. But we who walk in faith are called to a different path. Our provider and protector is the Lord Jesus Christ. We are told not to be anxious, but instead to be wise, prepared, and generous. This means, yes, protect your family. Yes, prepare for what’s coming. But also, ask yourself: how can I help my neighbor?

Providing someone with a physical need—food, hygiene supplies, a helping hand—might open the door to meet a much deeper, spiritual need. When we lead with compassion and conviction, we show the world that our trust lies not in the economy or the government, but in God. Let us live in a way that honors Him—faithfully, not fearfully.

Marantha, Lord Jesus!