Trump tariffs could raise grocery, liquor bills - from beef and pork to avocados and tequila
Live Mint* Tariffs could lead to produce shortages as well as price hikes, experts warn * Mexico and Canada are top suppliers of US agricultural imports * Tariffs may disrupt cattle and pork trade between US, Mexico, and Canada By Leah Douglas and Ed White WASHINGTON/REGINA, Saskatchewan, - U.S. prices may rise next year for avocados, strawberries and other fresh produce, and consumers could face shortages, if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on plans to slap tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, agricultural economists and industry executives said. Trump said Monday he would sign an executive order on his first day in office in January that would impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico to curb the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the U.S. U.S. consumers would feel impacts at grocery stores and restaurants, with items being out of stock, Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, said on Tuesday. PIGS, CATTLE MIGRATION Trump's plan could also slow the migration of more than 1 million cows exported by Mexico across the border each year, to become part of the U.S. beef supply. Tariffs could also further increase meat prices for U.S. consumers, though Bullard said importers and meat processors may be able to absorb some extra costs.