Walmart Stock Rises Amid Tariff Concerns Ahead of Holiday Season

Rogers, AR — Walmart‘s stock remains strong even as new tariff plans are set to take effect. President Donald Trump announced that a 100% tariff on Chinese imports will be enforced starting November 1, raising concerns for many retailers, including Walmart.

Walmart, a major U.S. retail giant, relies heavily on Chinese products, with about 60% of its merchandise imported from the country in 2023. This new tariff could further increase prices for essential consumer goods such as clothing, toys, home furnishings, and electronics.

In earlier communications, Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon warned that rising tariffs could compel the company to increase prices, which led to the withdrawal of its second-quarter operating margin guidance. Despite these concerns, Walmart saw net sales rise 4.8% year over year in its most recent earnings report, largely driven by growth in grocery and health categories, along with a 26% increase in e-commerce sales.

“Thus far, the impact of tariffs has been gradual enough that any behavioral adjustments by the customer have been somewhat muted,” McMillon said during the earnings call. The company also noted a 30% increase in grocery price rollbacks this year, helping maintain its value proposition.

However, McMillon cautioned that consumers will still face pressure from tariffs during the remainder of the year and into 2026 as uncertainty grows. As the holiday shopping season approaches, the timing of these tariff changes could be particularly challenging for Walmart and other retailers hoping to capitalize on seasonal sales.

On Wall Street, Walmart has received a “Strong Buy” consensus rating from analysts based on 29 buy ratings, with a highest price target of $129.