1. Soybeans: America’s Export Giant Takes a Hit
Soybeans have long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, but the Trump administration’s tariffs on China sent shockwaves through this vital industry. In 2018, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 25% on U.S. soybeans, causing exports to China to plummet by nearly 75%. This sudden drop left U.S. farmers with massive stockpiles and falling prices, with the USDA reporting a 20% decrease in average farm income that year. As a result, soybeans became more expensive for food producers, and shortages rippled through supply chains, affecting everything from tofu to animal feed. Farmers in states like Iowa and Illinois faced tough choices, with many turning to bankruptcy protection. The aftermath of these tariffs continued to impact rural communities long after the trade war headlines faded.
2. Pork: From Barbecue Favorite to Luxury Item
Pork is a staple in American diets and a major export to China, but tariffs drastically changed its availability and price. When China slapped tariffs as high as 72% on U.S. pork, exports dropped by 27% in 2018 alone. This meant more pork stayed in the U.S. market, but the oversupply didn’t keep prices low for long. Meanwhile, African swine fever in Asia increased global demand, sending pork prices soaring domestically. Shoppers saw bacon and pork chops spike in price, with the average cost of pork rising by 10% across supermarkets. Restaurant owners complained about “vanishing” affordable pork, and holiday feasts became noticeably pricier.
3. Cheese: The Dairy Export Dream Sours
The U.S. dairy industry looked to China as a massive growth market, but tariffs quickly dashed those hopes. In 2018, China and Mexico imposed tariffs on U.S. cheese and other dairy items, cutting exports by over $1 billion. Many small cheese producers in Wisconsin and California faced dwindling orders and were forced to dump unsold milk. At the same time, American consumers faced shortages of specialty cheeses, and prices for popular varieties like cheddar and mozzarella climbed by 8% in some regions. The National Milk Producers Federation warned that the industry lost a decade’s worth of export growth in a single year.
4. Apples: Sweetness in Short Supply
Washington state, the nation’s top apple producer, saw the effects of tariffs up close. China and India imposed steep levies on U.S. apples, leading to a 20% drop in exports in 2019. With fewer apples heading overseas, growers faced gluts at home and lower prices. Yet, by 2020, reduced harvests and supply chain issues pushed prices back up for shoppers. Supermarkets in the Northeast reported frequent shortages of popular varieties like Gala and Fuji, and the cost of apples increased by nearly 15% in just two years. The Washington Apple Commission said many smaller orchards struggled to survive, and consumers noticed the change in both price and variety.
5. Almonds: California’s Crunchy Cash Crop Struggles
Almonds became a surprise casualty in the tariff war, especially after China imposed a 50% tariff on American nuts. California, which produces 80% of the world’s almonds, saw exports to China fall by 30% in 2019. With fewer buyers, almond prices dropped for farmers, but costs for consumers didn’t fall as expected. Instead, supply chain bottlenecks and higher shipping costs drove up prices for almond butter, almond milk, and snack packs in grocery stores. Health-conscious shoppers found their favorite nuts missing from shelves, while growers worried about the future of their orchards.
6. Seafood: Lobsters Caught in the Crossfire
Maine lobster is a delicacy prized in China, but tariffs of up to 35% made U.S. lobster far less competitive. Exports to China dropped by more than 50% in 2019, according to Maine’s Department of Marine Resources. Instead, Chinese buyers turned to Canada, causing American lobstermen to lose out on millions in sales. Domestically, lobster prices became more volatile, with spikes around holidays and shortages during peak demand times. The Maine lobster industry, worth over $1.5 billion annually, faced uncertainty, and many small operations struggled to stay afloat.
7. Orange Juice: A Tangy Trade Tangle
U.S. orange juice, especially from Florida, was hit hard when China and the EU imposed tariffs in response to U.S. steel and aluminum duties. Exports of orange juice concentrate fell by 33% in 2019, leaving processors with surplus inventory. Meanwhile, citrus greening disease reduced harvests, so grocery store prices climbed despite the export slump. Consumers saw the cost of a gallon of orange juice rise by nearly 10%, and shortages of not-from-concentrate juice became common in some regions. The Florida Department of Citrus warned that the combination of disease and trade barriers threatened the long-term survival of the state’s citrus industry.
8. Peanuts: Spreading Trouble for a Southern Staple
America’s peanut farmers, mostly in Georgia and Alabama, faced steep tariffs in China and Europe, which together had accounted for nearly 25% of exports. In 2019, exports to China dropped by 70%, leaving farmers with excess supply. Prices for raw peanuts plummeted, but candy and snack makers saw costs rise due to higher processing and storage fees. The price of peanut butter rose by 6% on average, and some brands reduced package sizes to offset costs. School lunch programs reported shortages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, making a cheap protein source harder to find.
9. Wine: California’s Vineyards Grapple with Uncertainty
China’s 54% tariff on U.S. wine led to an abrupt decline in Californian wine exports, dropping by almost 80% between 2017 and 2020. Winemakers who had invested heavily in Asian markets struggled to find buyers, leading to a surplus of unsold bottles. Back home, this resulted in higher prices for premium wines and fewer discounts. Sommeliers in major cities reported shortages of popular California labels, and some wineries faced layoffs or closures. The California Wine Institute estimated over $300 million in lost sales due to tariffs and the pandemic combined.
10. Beef: A Battle for the World’s Table
American beef producers had been making inroads into China before the tariffs, but things changed rapidly when China imposed duties of up to 25%. U.S. beef exports to China and Hong Kong fell by 22% in 2019, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Domestically, beef prices rose as ranchers tried to recoup losses, with steaks and ground beef increasing by 15% in some grocery stores. Restaurants also reported shortages of certain cuts, and farmers faced higher costs for feed and processing. The ripple effect touched everything from backyard barbecues to upscale steakhouses.
11. Wheat: Breadbasket Under Pressure
Wheat farmers, particularly in the Midwest, faced stiff tariffs from China, which slashed U.S. wheat exports by 60% in 2018. The resulting surplus led to lower farm prices, but the benefits didn’t trickle down to consumers. Instead, higher transportation and storage costs meant bread and pasta prices crept up by 5% or more. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that many farmers delayed planting or left fields fallow, worried about more uncertainty. Shoppers in some areas noticed fewer options and higher costs for whole wheat and specialty bread products.
12. Corn: More Than Just Popcorn Problems
Corn is used in everything from animal feed to soda, and tariffs hit this industry hard. China and Mexico both targeted U.S. corn with new levies, reducing exports by over 30% in 2019. This glut led to falling prices for farmers, but ethanol plants and food manufacturers faced higher costs due to supply chain snarls. The USDA found that corn-based products like tortillas and breakfast cereals increased in price by 8% during the height of the tariff war. The uncertainty also led to reduced planting in 2020, with knock-on effects on livestock feed and biofuel production.
13. Cherries: A Luxurious Loss
Fresh cherries from the Pacific Northwest are a high-value export to China, but tariffs destroyed the market almost overnight. Chinese tariffs of up to 50% on American cherries led to a 40% drop in exports in 2018. Growers in Washington and Oregon watched as tons of fruit went unsold or spoiled. Back home, prices for cherries surged during their short season, and availability was limited in many grocery stores. The Northwest Horticultural Council estimated losses at over $100 million for cherry growers, with some considering switching crops or reducing acreage.
14. Tomatoes: Sauces and Salsas Under Strain
U.S. tomatoes were affected not just by tariffs but also by trade disputes with Mexico, leading to unpredictable prices and supply. Tariffs on tomato products from both sides caused tomato paste and canned tomato prices to spike by 12% in 2019. Pizza shops and restaurants complained of shortages and higher costs, passing these on to customers. Home cooks noticed their favorite brands missing or more expensive, and some suppliers reduced variety to cut losses. The American Tomato Growers Association warned that ongoing disputes could lead to even more instability.
15. Citrus Fruits: Oranges and Lemons Sour on Trade
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, were hit by retaliatory tariffs in China and the EU. California’s citrus exports fell by nearly 30% in 2019, with growers reporting excess fruit left on trees or sold at a loss. Supermarkets saw fewer imports from the U.S., leading to higher prices and occasional shortages. Fresh-squeezed juices and fruit salads became pricier, and school lunch programs struggled to source affordable citrus. The California Citrus Mutual group warned that the combination of tariffs and disease put the state’s $3 billion citrus industry at significant risk.
