President Trump’s new tariffs are about to hit American kitchens hard. Nearly half of supermarket products—roughly 40,000 items—could soon cost more due to fresh import fees, warns food analyst Phil Lempert.
Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Targeting Food Imports
The White House just rolled out reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. goods. The move aims to push foreign suppliers to play fair—or pay up.
“They’ve ripped us off for decades,” Trump told reporters. “Now we’re fighting back.”
Earlier this year, Trump slapped 20% tariffs on Chinese goods and 25% on Mexican and Canadian imports. With inflation already squeezing budgets, shoppers may soon need coupons just to afford basics.
Fruits: Avocados Safe, But Other Produce at Risk
Good news for guac lovers: Mexican avocados dodged the tariffs. Since 88% of U.S. avocado imports come from Mexico, prices should stay stable.
But other fruits face trouble. Bananas, pineapples, and mangoes from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru now carry 10% tariffs. “These fruits spoil fast, so prices and stock could swing wildly,” Lempert warned.
Vegetables: Some Imports Could Get Pricier
About 69% of U.S. veggies come from Mexico and Canada—both exempt from new tariffs. But imports from Guatemala, Peru, and China may spike in cost.
Vegetable imports have tripled since 1998, making the U.S. heavily reliant on foreign farms. If tariffs shrink supply, expect sticker shock in the produce aisle.
Seafood: Shrimp, Fish Prices Set to Soar
Bad news for seafood lovers: 85% of U.S. supply is imported, and key suppliers like Vietnam (46% tariff) and India (26%) got hammered.
“We can’t replace 80% of seafood overnight,” said industry expert Andy Harig. “Prices are going up—no question.”
Coffee: Your Morning Cup May Cost More
The U.S. runs on imported coffee, with most beans coming from Brazil and Colombia—now facing 10% tariffs. If costs rise, that daily latte could burn a bigger hole in your wallet.
Beer, Wine, and Cheese: Imported Luxuries at Risk
Cheers? Not so fast. European wines now carry 20% tariffs, and Mexican beer could also jump in price. Even canned brews face a double whammy from aluminum tariffs.
Meanwhile, olive oil prices are “through the roof,” says Lempert, and gourmet cheeses like brie and Parmigiano may soon cost a small fortune.
What Won’t Get More Expensive?
Beef and rice—mostly homegrown—should dodge major hikes. But with cattle herds at a 70-year low and rice imports taxed, even these staples aren’t totally safe.
The Bottom Line: Shop Smart, Stock Up
Trump’s tariffs are about to shake up grocery bills, with imported goods taking the biggest hit. While avocados and beef might stay steady, seafood, coffee, and olive oil are likely to surge. Shoppers, consider this your warning—prices are climbing fast.
