Brace Yourself: Grocery Prices Are About to Surge—Here’s What to Stock Up On Before Tariffs Hit
If your grocery bill already feels steep, brace yourself—it’s about to get even pricier. Starting March 4, 2025, a new 25% tariff imposed by President Trump will hit imported goods from Mexico and Canada, and the impact will be felt in shopping carts nationwide. It’s not just about avocados and eggs—nearly every aisle could see price hikes.
Why the Spike?
Mexico and Canada are two of America’s largest agricultural trade partners. In fact, Mexico supplies around 77% of the fresh produce in U.S. grocery stores, while Canada accounts for roughly 34% of our fresh meat. With a hefty tariff now targeting those imports, consumers can expect to pay noticeably more on everyday staples.
Retail leaders are already sounding the alarm. Target CEO Brian Cornell warned that shoppers may soon see higher prices, especially for fruits and vegetables, due to the store’s dependence on Mexican produce during the winter months. “We’ll try to keep prices steady,” Cornell told CNBC, “but consumers will likely notice increases in the coming days.”
What Can You Do Now?
If you’re trying to keep your grocery budget in check, the best move is to act fast. Stock up now on essentials imported from Mexico and Canada—before the tariffs fully take effect and prices rise across the board. Here are some key items to prioritize:
🥣 Cereal Grains
Canada is a major exporter of wheat, barley, and oats. That means pantry staples like flour, oatmeal, cereals, and even oat milk are all likely to get more expensive soon.
🥑 Avocados
Love guac? Better grab a few extra now. With Mexico supplying about 90% of the avocados consumed in the U.S., the price of this beloved fruit is expected to skyrocket. Industry experts are already predicting a major impact on the avocado market.
Get Ready for Sticker Shock: These Grocery Staples Are About to Get Pricier
Consumers should prepare for some serious grocery aisle inflation. Take avocados, for example—a large one that used to cost $2.99 could soon jump to around $3.75. In some regions, you might even be shelling out $2 per avocado. And that’s just the beginning.
🍓 Strawberries
Love strawberries in your smoothies, salads, or desserts? You might want to grab a few extra cartons. In 2022, Mexico—one of the world’s top strawberry producers—accounted for roughly 85% of U.S. strawberry imports, according to the USDA. With the new 25% tariff in play, those sweet red berries are about to get more expensive, not just in stores but also on restaurant menus that rely on fresh fruit.
🥩 Meat
Meat lovers, take note: Canada is the top supplier of meat to the U.S., and its exports are now facing the same steep tariffs. That means prices on beef, pork, and other meats could climb fast. Now might be a smart time to stock your freezer with your go-to cuts before costs rise even further.
More Price Hikes on the Horizon: Everyday Staples That Could Cost You More
As the new tariffs take hold, even more grocery staples are at risk of jumping in price. From sweeteners to spirits, here’s what to keep an eye on:
🍬 Sugar
Sweet news? Not exactly. Mexico and Canada are nearly neck-and-neck when it comes to supplying sugar to the U.S. That makes sugar a prime target for price increases. And we’re not just talking about cakes and cookies—sugar is hidden in tons of everyday items, from sauces to snack foods. If you bake or buy a lot of packaged goods, it might be smart to stock up on a bulk bag now.
🍻 Alcohol
Cheers… while you still can. With tariffs hitting ingredients and imports alike, prices on beer, tequila, and whisky are likely to rise. Canadian wheat and barley—key beer ingredients—are now costlier to import, which could lead to more expensive six-packs. Meanwhile, Mexico’s world-famous tequila exports might see price bumps, too. Might be time to replenish that bar cart.
🍅 Tomatoes
Tomatoes are about to get pricey—and not just the fresh ones. In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported a whopping $3.2 billion worth of tomatoes, with over 86% coming from Mexico, according to the USDA. That means salsa, pasta sauce, and even ketchup could see a price jump. Mexican and Italian restaurants may also pass those rising costs on to diners.
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🍁 Maple Syrup
That sweet drizzle for your pancakes? It’s about to get pricier. Canada, the global maple syrup powerhouse, produced 71% of the world’s supply in 2023, and it’s the leading exporter to the U.S. With new tariffs in place, your favorite weekend breakfast topping—or any maple-infused product—could see a significant price bump. If you’re a syrup lover, now’s the time to snag an extra bottle (or two) before the costs pour in.