Food News

1. Soybeans: America’s Export Giant Takes a Hit 1. Soybeans: America’s Export Giant Takes a Hit (image credits: unsplash) 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 … Read more

The Immediate Shockwave: Price Hikes The Immediate Shockwave: Price Hikes (image credits: pixabay) In the world of food and beverages, prices are a sensitive subject. Consumers are used to picking products based on their budget. However, with Trump’s tariffs, there’s a looming threat of price hikes. This is because tariffs can make imported goods more expensive. For example, if a tariff is placed on imported cheese, the price of cheese in the store can go up. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can cause a ripple effect across the entire food chain, from suppliers to consumers. Many companies might … Read more

Increased Ingredient Costs Increased Ingredient Costs (image credits: unsplash) Trump’s tariffs have led to higher prices on imported goods, including essential cooking ingredients. For example, tariffs on steel and aluminum have affected the cost of kitchen equipment, while tariffs on food products have increased prices for items like cheese and seafood. Chefs are now facing a dilemma: either absorb these costs or pass them on to customers. This has resulted in menu price hikes at many restaurants, impacting customer choices. According to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of restaurant operators reported that food costs have risen due to tariffs. Chefs … Read more

A Surprising Shift in the Culinary World A Surprising Shift in the Culinary World (image credits: wikimedia) The global trade war initiated by former President Trump had far-reaching impacts, touching various sectors of the economy. One unexpected consequence was the rise of domestic meal kits. As tariffs on imported goods increased, the cost of many grocery items soared, leading consumers to look for more affordable and convenient alternatives. Meal kits, which offer pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, quickly became a popular choice. This shift was not just about convenience; it was about adapting to a changing economic landscape. The growing … Read more

Tariff Shocks at the Checkout Tariff Shocks at the Checkout (image credits: unsplash) Imagine walking into your local grocery store and suddenly realizing that your favorite items cost more than you expected. This isn’t just inflation or a fluke; it’s a direct result of tariff changes made during the Trump administration. Starting in 2018, new tariffs were slapped on hundreds of everyday products, especially those imported from China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. The intention was to protect American industries, but the fallout reached everyday shoppers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices surged by 3.5% in … Read more

The Rise of Tariffs on Italian Goods The Rise of Tariffs on Italian Goods (image credits: wikimedia) Imagine this: you’re planning a delightful pasta night with friends, dreaming of rich tomato sauces and al dente spaghetti. Suddenly, the cost of your beloved Italian staples spikes, throwing a wrench into your culinary plans. This is the reality many are facing due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Italian goods. These tariffs were part of a broader trade strategy aimed at balancing trade deficits and protecting domestic industries. However, they have also led to unintended consequences, especially for those … Read more

Imagine a world where your favorite dishes are no longer available. It’s a scary thought, right? As tariffs continue to rise under certain policies, some classic dishes may become increasingly rare. This can happen due to the rising cost of ingredients, making them too expensive for restaurants to serve or for people to cook at home. Let’s dive into some beloved dishes that might face extinction. Guacamole Guacamole (image credits: pixabay) Guacamole is a staple in many households, especially during parties and gatherings. However, the primary ingredient, avocados, could become a luxury item if tariffs continue to rise. With the … Read more

Who Oversees Food Safety in the U.S.? Who Oversees Food Safety in the U.S.? (image credits: unsplash) Food safety in the U.S. is shared between two major federal agencies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for about 80% of the country’s food supply. This includes everything from packaged snacks and produce to baby food and food additives. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) handles the remaining 20%, focusing mostly on animal-based products like meat, poultry, and eggs. While these agencies set safety standards, the actual job of keeping food safe often falls on the producers and companies … Read more

The Tariff Tidal Wave: What Changed? The Tariff Tidal Wave: What Changed? (image credits: unsplash) When the Trump administration rolled out tariffs on imported goods, especially agricultural products from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, many worried about the fallout in rural America. Yet beneath the storm of political debate, something surprising has happened—several overlooked food-producing regions across the United States have seen a subtle yet significant boost. While headlines focused on trade wars and retaliatory tariffs, little attention was given to the ripple effects in local economies. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, certain states saw … Read more

Rising Tariffs: A Shocking Turn for U.S. Agriculture Rising Tariffs: A Shocking Turn for U.S. Agriculture (image credits: wikimedia) When former President Donald Trump announced major tariffs on imported goods, many experts predicted chaos for American agriculture. Yet, beneath the headlines, something surprising happened: U.S. food producers started to benefit in unexpected ways. As duties on products like steel, aluminum, and even agricultural imports from China took effect, local growers and processors found themselves with less competition from foreign producers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, by late 2023, domestic food manufacturing had grown 5% year-over-year, a turnaround many … Read more