Trump tariffs: Are Trump tariffs exploited by Tesla, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz worried about manipulating customers? Check details

From Tesla and Nissan to makers of children’s lunch boxes and luxury mattresses, a wide variety of companies have warned consumers to shop now and then forced tariffs to raise prices under Donald Trump’s trade policy. According to the Financial Times, many brands are using this moment to trigger urgency and boost sales, leaving consumers anxious about the potential economic impact. Visitors to Tesla’s Canadian website are welcomed by the famous yellow banner: “Explore pre-engagement inventory while supplying the last supply.”

“Subord an order as soon as possible”

French fashion brand Sézane, backed by private equity firms such as General Atlantic, sent an email to U.S. customers this week warning that tariffs could soon make certain items unusable on their U.S. websites. The message remains: “If you still think of any of these, we recommend that you place your order as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
Also Read: “Look at His Face”: Mark Carney's expression caused a sensation online when he met Trump. This is the reason

While Trump's trade measures have shaken global markets and raise concerns about U.S. inflation and recession, some businesses see the moment as a sales opportunity.

Retailers face a challenging climate at their lowest point since May 2020, at the lowest point for U.S. consumers. Nevertheless, they rely on classic marketing strategies. “It's a simple scarcity drama, the oldest trick in the book,” said Adam Alter, a marketing professor at NYU's Stern School of Business. “The difference here is that the focus is rational: prices will rise soon.”
OMIE, which sells subdivision lunch boxes for children in California, recently warned customers that the cost of importing from China is “a big rise” and has provided a limited discount code (“Beforetariffs”) to encourage a purchase now.
Nissan's Infiniti Brand uses similar messaging, urging buyers to “invest Infiniti without new tariffs” as part of its “one spring event.” Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz, located in Calabasas, is a wealthy Los Angeles suburb, declared: “No tariff increase. No tax exemption.” Mercedes said it will absorb tariff fees on its 2025 model.
Luxury mattress maker Saatva also joined, telling website visitors: “Don't wait: beat the tariff increase.”

Please read also: “The guy with no more clothes”: Pete Heggs after U.S. Supreme Court decision on trans military ban

Recent data suggests that tariff concerns may have increased retail activity, while U.S. sales rose unexpectedly in March. “This could be very effective messaging,” said Brian Wieser, an advertising analyst, adding that the strategy could explain the surprising retail growth.

While some global retailers, such as Chinese e-commerce giant Temu, pass the tariff costs directly to consumers, others remain alert. American companies risk political reflections to make the tariff impact visible. President Trump lashed out Tuesday after reports that he would show tariff-related price increases at checkout.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the move as “hostile and political act.” Amazon later turned around its plans after Trump's conversation with company founder Jeff Bezos. “Jeff Bezos is very good,” Trump said. “He solved the problem quickly.”