How Trump’s New Food Import Tariffs Will Impact Grocery Prices in Southern California: What You Need to Know

Grocery Prices Set to Rise Due to New Tariffs

Families in the Los Angeles area should brace for higher grocery bills. New tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada will affect fresh produce the most. While automakers have received a temporary exemption, the trade tensions remain. President Trump has made it clear that he is not backing down in this trade dispute.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mexico is a crucial supplier for fresh food:

• More than half of the fresh fruit imported to the U.S. comes from Mexico.
• Nearly 70% of imported fresh vegetables are sourced from there too.

With these tariffs in place, staples like tomatoes, onions, strawberries, and avocados are likely to see significant price increases at grocery stores.

At a Long Beach Albertsons, a pound of strawberries is currently $3.99, while an avocado is $1.49. If the 25% tariff is passed on to customers, strawberries could jump to $4.98 a pound, and avocados might rise to about $1.85 each, as reported by NBC News.

This news raises concerns for many shoppers who already struggle to afford basic groceries, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Local vendor Monse Maldonado noted, “We just have to accept it. Eighty percent of our store comes from Mexico. If the prices go up, we’ll let consumers know.”

Retailers are also preparing for broader price increases. Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, emphasized that shoppers should expect changes soon. “Fresh produce has a short supply chain, especially in winter when we rely on Mexico,” he stated. “While we’ll try to keep prices stable, the reality is that they will rise.”

As these tariffs take effect, consumers will need to be mindful of their grocery budgets. The impacts on fresh produce prices could make it harder for families to make healthy choices.

Source link