1. Soybeans: America’s Export Powerhouse Hit Hard
Soybeans have been one of the biggest casualties of the U.S.-China trade war. When the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China quickly retaliated by slapping its own tariffs on American soybeans. This immediately disrupted the $14 billion annual soybean trade between the two countries. U.S. farmers, who once relied on China for over 60% of their exports, saw prices plummet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soybean exports to China dropped by over 70% in 2018. Farmers have struggled to find new markets, and many faced devastating financial losses. As a result, soy-based products, from tofu to salad dressings, have seen price fluctuations and even shortages. The ripple effect has left grocery shoppers paying more for foods containing soybean oil and meal.
2. Pork: Bacon and Ham Get Pricier
Pork producers felt the sting of tariffs almost overnight. China, once America’s top pork export market, imposed tariffs ranging from 25% to 60% on U.S. pork in response to Trump’s trade moves. This made American pork far less competitive, pushing Chinese buyers to look for alternative suppliers in Europe and South America. According to the National Pork Producers Council, American pork exports to China fell by nearly 50% in 2019. U.S. pork prices dropped for farmers, but prices at the supermarket actually rose due to supply chain disruptions. For consumers, this has meant more expensive bacon, ham, and sausages at breakfast tables across the country.
3. Cheese: Tariffs Turn Up the Pressure on Dairy
Cheese lovers have also seen the impact of tariffs. The European Union responded to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs by targeting American cheese with their own tariffs. U.S. cheese exports to Europe fell by over 10% in 2019, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council. American producers, facing a glut of unsold cheese, were forced to sell at lower prices domestically. This led to a brief dip in retail prices, but as inventories cleared out, prices rebounded. Specialty cheeses were hit hardest, and some varieties became harder to find or more expensive. Restaurants and pizzerias felt the pinch, and many passed those costs on to customers.
4. Almonds: California’s Golden Nut Under Strain
Almonds, a signature California crop, have been caught in the crossfire. China and India, two of the largest markets for U.S. almonds, both imposed tariffs of up to 25% in retaliation for U.S. trade actions. Exports to China dropped by nearly 30% in 2019, according to the Almond Board of California. With fewer buyers overseas, domestic almond prices fell, but costs for consumers eventually crept up as growers scaled back production. Almond products, including almond milk and snack bars, have seen price hikes and supply shortages in some regions. The long-term impact on California’s almond industry remains uncertain as growers look for new markets.
5. Apples: An All-American Fruit Faces New Challenges
American apples, especially from Washington State, have been a popular export to China and India. Both countries placed tariffs on U.S. apples in response to the Trump administration’s trade policies. According to the U.S. Apple Association, exports to China dropped by over 40% in 2019. Apple farmers found themselves with surplus crops, leading to lower prices for growers and mixed changes for consumers. Some shoppers noticed lower prices in stores during peak harvest, but higher storage costs and reduced future plantings have started to nudge prices upward. Certain varieties, like Red Delicious and Gala, have become less available in global markets.
6. Oranges and Orange Juice: Sour News for Citrus Lovers
Citrus exports have also taken a hit. China and the European Union responded to U.S. tariffs with their own duties on American oranges and orange juice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a 10% drop in orange exports in 2019. Citrus growers, particularly in Florida and California, faced declining revenues and increased competition from Brazil and Spain. This has led to higher prices for orange juice and fresh oranges in some U.S. supermarkets. Additionally, juice manufacturers have had to adjust sourcing, sometimes blending more imported juice, which can change the flavor and nutritional content.
7. Wheat: Breadbasket Under Pressure
Wheat farmers in the Midwest have long relied on export markets like China and Mexico. When tariffs disrupted these trade relationships, wheat exports dropped by nearly 25% in 2018, according to the U.S. Wheat Associates. Domestic supply surged, pushing prices lower for farmers but causing volatility in the market. As a result, bread, pasta, and cereal prices have occasionally spiked as mills and food manufacturers adjusted to new sourcing realities. Smaller farmers have been hit hardest, with some forced to leave the business altogether. Consumers have seen more price swings in the bread aisle than usual.
8. Lobster: A Luxury Food Caught in the Middle
Lobster, once a booming export to China, saw its fortunes change dramatically. Chinese tariffs on American lobster reached 35%, effectively pricing U.S. lobster out of the market. According to Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, lobster exports to China dropped by over 80% in 2019. Canadian lobster quickly filled the gap, leaving U.S. harvesters scrambling. The domestic market was flooded with supply, briefly lowering prices for American consumers. However, with fewer export opportunities, some lobster fishermen have left the industry, and prices are now climbing again as supply contracts.
9. Wine: Toasting to Higher Costs
American wine exports, especially from California, faced new tariffs from the European Union and China. According to the Wine Institute, U.S. wine exports to China fell by more than 25% in 2019. European tariffs of up to 25% on U.S. wine also took a toll. Winemakers have struggled to maintain profits, leading to higher prices for popular American wines at home. Importers and distributors have sometimes passed these costs on to consumers, making a bottle of wine at dinner noticeably pricier. Smaller wineries have felt the pressure most, with some cutting back on production.
10. Tomatoes: Salsa and Sauce at Risk
Tomatoes are a staple in American kitchens, but tariffs have made them more expensive. The Trump administration placed duties on Mexican tomatoes, which supply more than half of all tomatoes consumed in the U.S. In response, prices for fresh tomatoes spiked by over 15% in summer 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Salsa, ketchup, and canned tomato product prices rose as well. Restaurants and consumers alike have had to pay more, and some have switched to alternative ingredients or reduced tomato portions in recipes.
11. Peanuts: America’s Favorite Snack Faces Uncertainty
Peanut exports were hit when China and the European Union imposed retaliatory tariffs. The U.S. is the world’s largest peanut exporter, but shipments to China dropped by nearly 30% in 2019. According to the American Peanut Council, growers saw lower prices and increased stockpiles. While this initially led to cheaper peanut butter and snacks in stores, supply chain adjustments have since caused prices to rise again. The uncertainty has made it harder for some growers to plan future crops, and peanut-based products have seen more price volatility.
12. Beef: Steak and Burgers Feel the Heat
U.S. beef exports have faced higher tariffs from China, Canada, and Mexico. China’s new tariffs on American beef reached 25%, leading to a drop in exports of nearly 20% in 2019, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Domestic prices for steak and ground beef climbed as producers looked for new buyers. Restaurants and grocery stores have passed those increases on to consumers. The result: enjoying a steak dinner or a backyard burger now costs more, and some restaurants have even reduced portion sizes or raised menu prices.
13. Coffee: Brewing Up Uncertainty
While the U.S. is a major importer of coffee rather than an exporter, Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum affected coffee equipment and packaging costs. According to the National Coffee Association, roasters and coffee shops faced higher costs for machinery and cans, leading to a 10-15% increase in retail coffee prices in some regions. Packaging shortages have also caused delays and limited specialty coffee availability. Coffee drinkers have noticed higher prices at cafes and for their favorite coffee brands at the store.
14. Seafood: Shrimp and Crab in Turbulent Waters
American seafood, especially shrimp and crab, was targeted by Chinese and European tariffs. According to NOAA Fisheries, exports of U.S. seafood to China fell by over 40% in 2019. The sudden loss of a major market led to a surplus at home, temporarily decreasing prices for consumers. However, as producers reduced output, retail prices rebounded and some varieties became harder to find. Seafood restaurants and grocery stores have had to diversify their sourcing or raise prices to maintain margins.
15. Corn: Ripple Effects in Every Aisle
Corn is found in countless American foods, from breakfast cereals to soft drinks. Tariffs reduced exports to key markets like Mexico and China, leading to a 20% drop in exports in 2018, according to the U.S. Grains Council. With fewer buyers, domestic corn prices fell, but this has led to volatility in processed food prices. Corn syrup, used in sodas and snacks, became more expensive as processors adjusted contracts and supply chains. The uncertainty has been felt by both farmers and shoppers, with prices for corn-based products fluctuating more than usual.
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