1. Soybeans
Soybeans have become a flashpoint in recent years, especially after the U.S.-China trade tensions escalated. When China imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. soybeans, American farmers saw export sales plummet, with some reports showing a drop of over 70% in shipments to China in 2018. This ripple effect made soy-based products more expensive or harder to find in both countries. American farmers had to store unsold beans, and some switched to other crops, reducing the supply of soy products like tofu and soy milk. The price volatility also affected livestock farmers who rely on soybean meal for animal feed. All these factors combined to make soybeans a symbol of how tariffs can disrupt what ends up on our plates.
2. Cheese
Cheese lovers have felt the bite of tariffs, especially after the European Union and the United States began trading tariff blows in 2019. The U.S. imposed tariffs on imported European cheeses like Parmesan, Roquefort, and Gouda, causing prices to soar by up to 40%. Importers scrambled to get shipments in before tariffs took effect, but shelves soon emptied, and specialty shops had to raise prices or limit selection. Some American cheesemakers benefited, but many consumers missed the unique flavors only European cheeses provide. Restaurants and delis, known for gourmet cheese boards, faced tough decisions about menu changes and price increases.
3. Pork
Pork has been at the center of tariff disputes, especially between the U.S., China, and Mexico. China, once the largest buyer of American pork, slapped tariffs as high as 62% on U.S. pork in 2018. Exports dropped sharply, leading to a surplus in the U.S. and lower farm prices, but higher prices abroad. At the same time, African Swine Fever devastated Chinese pig herds, raising domestic pork prices and making imported pork, including from other countries, far more expensive for Chinese consumers. In Mexico, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. pork meant tacos and carnitas became pricier for everyday eaters.
4. Apples
American apples, especially Red Delicious and Gala, have long been popular exports to markets like India and China. When India imposed a 20% tariff on U.S. apples in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, exports to India fell by over 70%, leaving fruit to rot in cold storage. American growers struggled to find new markets, often lowering prices domestically or letting fruit go unsold. For Indian consumers, imported apples became much more expensive, pushing them to favor local varieties. The trade war made a simple apple a global bargaining chip.
5. Whiskey and Bourbon
European tariffs on American whiskey and bourbon, introduced in 2018 in response to U.S. steel tariffs, hit the industry hard. Exports to the EU, the largest market for American whiskey, dropped by nearly 35% within a year. Distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee reported slowed growth and put expansion plans on hold. Bar owners in Europe faced higher costs, leading to pricier cocktails and fewer American whiskey options on menus. Some distillers sought new markets in Asia, but the loss of European sales stung both producers and whiskey fans.
6. Seafood (Lobster, Salmon, Crab)
Tariffs on seafood, especially between the U.S. and China, changed the way Americans and Chinese eat their favorite ocean delicacies. China’s tariffs of up to 35% on U.S. lobster led to a 70% drop in exports from Maine, hurting fishermen and processors. Canadian lobster exports to China soared as a result, leaving American businesses scrambling for new buyers. Similar tariffs affected U.S. salmon and crab, with Chinese buyers turning to Russia or Canada instead. For American seafood lovers, some prices fell as supply was redirected to the domestic market, but the overall industry saw sharp losses.
7. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit)
The citrus industry, particularly in California and Florida, suffered when China and the EU imposed tariffs on oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. U.S. citrus exports to China dropped by over 50% in 2019, according to industry reports. Farmers faced oversupply and falling prices at home, while Chinese consumers paid more for imported fruit or switched to local varieties. Juice manufacturers also faced higher costs, as tariffs applied not just to whole fruit but to juice concentrates as well. The once-booming export market for fresh American citrus has yet to fully recover.
8. Almonds
Almonds are one of America’s most valuable exports, especially to India and China. When India raised tariffs on U.S. almonds from 35% to 50%, American almond shipments dropped by nearly 30%. Growers in California, which produces over 80% of the world’s almonds, felt the pinch as warehouse inventories swelled and prices fell. Meanwhile, Indian consumers faced higher prices and turned to domestic or Australian almonds. The uncertainty led some farmers to reconsider future plantings and investments in almond orchards.
9. Olive Oil
U.S. tariffs on European olive oil, particularly from Spain and Italy, drove up prices in American supermarkets by as much as 25%. Importers cut back on orders, leading to shortages on the shelves and forcing some brands to blend oils from different sources. American consumers, accustomed to affordable extra virgin olive oil, suddenly found themselves paying much more or settling for lower-quality alternatives. Restaurants and home cooks alike felt the impact, as olive oil is a staple for salads, dressings, and sautéing.
10. Coffee
While coffee itself is not always directly targeted by tariffs, the trade wars have affected related equipment, packaging, and even specialty beans. U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made coffee machines and equipment led to price hikes for cafes and roasters, which sometimes passed costs on to customers. Some specialty coffee beans from China and Vietnam faced retaliatory tariffs, changing sourcing strategies for boutique coffee shops. For everyday coffee drinkers, the result has been higher prices for both a cup to go and bags of premium beans.
11. Tomatoes
The U.S.-Mexico dispute over tomatoes led to the end of a longstanding trade agreement in 2019. As a result, the U.S. imposed duties of up to 17.5% on Mexican tomatoes, which account for about half of all tomatoes consumed in America. Prices in grocery stores rose, and some buyers reported shortages, especially in winter months when U.S. production is low. Mexican growers lost market share, and American tomato farmers saw a brief boost, but consumers ultimately faced higher costs for salsa, ketchup, and fresh tomatoes.
12. Wine
Tariffs on European wines, particularly French, Spanish, and German varieties, made a splashy impact in the U.S. market. Prices for some bottles jumped by 25%, while importers and distributors struggled to absorb the increased costs. Wine shops had to adjust their selections, sometimes replacing European wines with domestic or South American options. Consumers who enjoyed exploring the world through wine found their choices limited or more expensive, and some restaurants scaled back their wine lists altogether.
13. Peanut Butter
China’s tariffs on U.S. peanuts affected the peanut butter industry, which relies heavily on exports for growth. American peanut exports to China dropped by nearly 30% following the 2018 tariffs. Peanut farmers in states like Georgia and Alabama stored unsold crops or sold at a loss. Domestically, prices remained relatively stable, but the loss of export markets raised questions about the industry’s future. In China, imported peanut butter became a luxury item, with local products filling the gap.
14. Beef
Tariffs on U.S. beef, especially from China and the EU, created a challenging environment for ranchers. U.S. beef exports to China declined sharply after tariffs were imposed, despite rising demand from the Chinese middle class. Ranchers had to find new buyers in other countries, often at lower prices. At home, beef prices fluctuated as supply chains adjusted, affecting everything from steakhouse menus to backyard barbecues. The global beef market remains in flux as trade policies continue to shift.
15. Pasta
European pasta, especially from Italy, faced new U.S. tariffs in recent years. Imports of some Italian pastas declined by double digits after tariffs increased prices by 25%. American shoppers, used to inexpensive imported pasta, saw price tags climb and sometimes opted for domestic brands. Italian pasta producers sought new markets, but the loss of U.S. sales hit hard. Restaurants specializing in authentic Italian cuisine faced tough choices about menu changes or price hikes, and home cooks felt the pinch at the checkout line.
