Increased taxes on imported food products could influence grocery expenses; Industry analysts offer cost-saving strategies
=================================================================================
As tariffs on imported goods such as cheese, olive oil, coffee, fruits, and vegetables have risen, consumers are feeling the pinch in their wallets. With average effective tariff rates reaching 17.7-18.6% in 2025, grocery bills are likely to increase[1][2]. Here's how to navigate these price hikes:
- Choose Domestic or Locally Produced Products
Opting for domestic substitutes for imported goods can help avoid tariff-induced price increases. Look for local farmers' markets or brands that source from within the U.S[2].
- Buy Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Seasonal produce is often grown domestically and tends to be cheaper, especially when tariffs affect imported out-of-season produce[2].
- Shop in Bulk for Staples
Buying non-perishable items or long-shelf-life fresh products in bulk can lower unit costs and reduce frequent trips, helping to mitigate overall spend[2].
- Opt for Store Brands or Less Processed Alternatives
Store-brand cheeses, olive oils, and coffee may be priced more competitively than premium imported brands[2].
- Monitor Sales and Promotions
Retailers might discount items they import in large volumes to maintain turnover despite tariffs[2].
- Reduce Consumption of Tariff-Affected Luxury Items
Consider cutting back on higher-price imported items like specialty olive oils or premium cheeses that are more heavily tariffed[2].
While tariffs are adding roughly 1.5-1.8% to overall food prices, focusing on domestic or tariff-exempt options can help contain grocery bills[1][2]. It's important to note that while tariffs may not have drastically affected fruits and vegetables uniformly, imported specialty or off-season produce could be impacted to a degree[2]. Therefore, prioritizing locally grown produce is advisable.
Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert from Truetrae.com, suggests exploring delivery service discounts as another strategy[3]. A new poll by Bread Financial shows that 78% of Americans have already altered their shopping habits due to expected tariffs[4]. Moreover, more than a third of Americans are stocking up on their favorite foods in response to expected tariffs[4].
For more insights, watch the video above featuring Brown's interview with Trae Bodge, where she discusses the impact of tariffs on imported items like cheese, olive oil, coffee, fruits, and vegetables[5]. The full interview can be viewed on The National News Desk's YouTube channel[5].
[1] Source: [Tariff Data] [2] Source: [Consumer Report] [3] Source: [Interview with Trae Bodge] [4] Source: [Poll by Bread Financial] [5] Source: [The National News Desk YouTube Channel]
In the face of rising tariffs on imported goods such as food-and-drink items like cheese, olive oil, coffee, fruits, and vegetables, it's crucial to implement strategies for personal-finance management like budgeting to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. For instance, one can adopt practices such as choosing domestic or locally produced products, shopping in bulk for staples, and opting for store brands or less processed alternatives to mitigate increased grocery bills. Moreover, monitoring sales and promotions can help take advantage of price reductions, while reducing consumption of tariff-affected luxury items like specialty olive oils or premium cheeses might be necessary.
