Brace Yourself—Grocery Prices Are About to Climb

Does your grocery bill already feel outrageous? Get ready—it’s going to get worse.

Starting March 4, 2025, President Trump’s new policy will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. These tariffs won’t just affect eggs. Prices across nearly every grocery aisle are set to rise.

Why Are Prices Increasing?

Mexico and Canada supply a huge share of U.S. agricultural products. Mexico provides about 77% of our fresh produce. Canada supplies 34% of our fresh meat.

As these imports face steep tariffs, expect grocery costs to rise sharply. While the full impact remains uncertain, experts say shoppers will soon feel the difference.

Retailers Sound the Alarm

Target CEO Brian Cornell warned that fruit and vegetable prices may rise within days. In a recent CNBC interview, he said Target heavily depends on Mexican produce in winter.

“We’ll try to protect prices,” Cornell explained, “but customers will likely see increases in the next few days.”

What Can Shoppers Do?

To stay ahead, stock up now. Buy essential items from Mexico and Canada before the tariffs drive up costs. Here are key groceries to buy in bulk while prices are still stable:

Cereal Grains

Canada exports large amounts of wheat, barley, and oats. Expect higher prices for cereal, flour, oatmeal, and oat milk.

Avocados

With Mexico supplying 90% of U.S. avocados, the 25% tariff will hit hard. A large avocado that once cost $2.99 could soon rise to $3.75—or higher in some areas.

Strawberries

Mexico provided 85% of strawberry imports to the U.S. in 2022. As tariffs raise import costs, expect higher prices at grocery stores and restaurants.

Meat

Canada is the top meat supplier to the U.S. With tariffs in place, prices for fresh meat will climb. Stock your freezer with your favorite cuts now.

Sugar

Both Mexico and Canada are major sugar suppliers. Since sugar is found in everything from baked goods to sauces, now’s a smart time to buy in bulk.

Alcohol

Beer, tequila, and whisky prices could spike. Many key ingredients, like barley and wheat, come from Canada. Grab extra six-packs and bottles while prices remain steady.

Tomatoes

In 2023, 86.1% of the U.S.’s $3.2 billion in tomato imports came from Mexico. Expect to pay more for fresh tomatoes, salsa, ketchup, and pasta sauces. Restaurants may raise prices, too.

Maple Syrup

Canada produced about 71% of the world’s maple syrup in 2023. With tariffs in play, syrup prices will likely increase.