Soybeans: From Export Giant to Domestic Surplus
Soybeans once stood as America’s crown jewel in agricultural exports, especially to China, which imported over $12 billion worth from the U.S. in 2017. However, as tariffs escalated during the trade war, soybean exports to China plummeted by nearly 75% the following year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This did not just mean lost profits for farmers—it also triggered a glut of soybeans in the domestic market, forcing prices to their lowest levels in over a decade. Many American farmers struggled to break even, with some turning to government aid to survive. The ripple effect touched everything from tofu in health-conscious restaurants to soy-based animal feed, making soybeans a clear symbol of the trade war’s reach. Supermarkets saw prices drop, but farmers’ livelihoods took a direct hit, showing how a food staple can become a trade pawn. Even today, uncertainty hangs over the future of soybean exports, underscoring the ongoing tension in global trade.
Pork: America’s Barbecue Staple Faces Global Headwinds
Pork, a favorite on American grills and breakfast plates, found itself at the center of the trade dispute when China and Mexico slapped tariffs on U.S. pork products. According to the National Pork Producers Council, these tariffs led to an estimated $2.2 billion loss for American pork producers in 2018 and 2019. Restaurants and consumers noticed price swings, and pig farmers reported mounting inventories. The impact was not only felt by large producers; small family farms that supplied local diners and butcher shops struggled as well. As the trade war dragged on, some producers tried to pivot to other markets, but the sheer size of lost Chinese demand was impossible to replace overnight. The volatility meant that American pork, once destined for global tables, sometimes ended up flooding local markets, driving down prices and shaking up diner menus across the country.
Apples: A Classic American Fruit Caught in the Crossfire
Apples, an icon of American orchards, were hit especially hard when China and India imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. fruit. Washington State, responsible for about two-thirds of U.S. apple production, saw exports to China drop by nearly half in 2018. This sudden loss of a key market left growers scrambling. Many apple varieties, like Red Delicious, were cultivated specifically for export, and domestic demand could not fill the gap. According to the Washington Apple Commission, growers faced an estimated $130 million in lost export revenue. The impact trickled down, with some apple varieties piling up unsold in storage, while others saw prices dip at local grocery stores. The trade tensions forced American growers to rethink their orchards, planting new varieties and seeking new markets while the future remained uncertain.
Cheese: The Unseen Casualty in the Dairy Aisle
Cheese, a staple in everything from pizza to sandwiches, found itself under pressure as tariffs hit U.S. dairy exports to China, Mexico, and the European Union. The U.S. Dairy Export Council reported a 63% drop in cheese exports to China in 2019 after new tariffs were imposed. This sudden decline created a surplus at home, with American cheese stocks hitting record highs. Prices for key varieties like cheddar and mozzarella dropped, giving consumers a short-term price break, but putting dairy farmers and cheesemakers in a tough spot. The glut even led to stories of cheese being stored in massive cold warehouses, waiting for buyers. The situation highlighted how international disputes can affect something as simple as a cheeseburger or a slice of pizza on an American table.
Lobster: The Luxury That Lost Its Biggest Buyer
Lobster, once a symbol of coastal luxury and prosperity in New England, saw its biggest export market disappear almost overnight when China imposed 25% tariffs on U.S. lobster in 2018. According to Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, exports to China dropped by over 80% that year. Local lobster shacks and high-end restaurants noticed the impact as prices fell and lobstermen scrambled to find new buyers. Canadian lobster, not subject to the same tariffs, quickly filled the gap in China, squeezing American producers further. Some Maine lobster businesses closed, while others turned to direct-to-consumer shipping in the U.S., changing how Americans accessed the once-exotic delicacy. This shift showed how global politics can reshape the food landscape, even for something as iconic as lobster.
Whiskey: American Spirit, International Tensions
American whiskey, especially bourbon, became an unexpected casualty of the trade war when the European Union imposed tariffs in retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum duties. Exports to the EU, which accounted for nearly half of all American whiskey sales abroad, plunged by more than 30% in 2019, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee felt the pinch, with some reporting layoffs and slowed production. Domestically, whiskey prices remained stable, but the international reputation and market share of American spirits suffered. Smaller distilleries, which relied on export growth, found it especially hard to absorb the losses. Whiskey’s journey from American barrels to European bars became a symbol of how trade disputes can affect even the oldest traditions.
Seafood: Fishermen Face Rough Waters
American seafood, especially products like Alaskan salmon and Pacific cod, faced steep tariffs in China, which had been a major market. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. seafood exports to China fell by nearly $500 million in 2019. Fishermen in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest watched as their catches piled up, while processors and exporters scrambled to find new markets. Prices for certain fish dropped in the U.S., affecting not just fishermen, but also restaurants and grocery stores. The trade war forced some seafood companies to shift focus to domestic sales or pivot to different products entirely. The unpredictability left many in the industry on edge, wondering how long they could weather the storm.
Almonds: California’s Crunchy Export Challenge
California’s almond industry, which supplies 80% of the world’s almonds, felt the sting of Chinese tariffs, as China was the second-largest export market for the nut. The Almond Board of California reported a 30% drop in shipments to China after tariffs were imposed. This led to a supply glut in the U.S. and falling prices for almond growers. The price drop trickled down to almond-based products like milk, flour, and snacks, influencing menus in cafes and bakeries across the country. Some growers began to explore new markets in India and Europe, but the sudden shift forced the industry to rethink its global strategy. The almond’s story highlights how a single tariff can reverberate through an entire industry and onto American tables.
Oranges: Citrus Faces Squeezed Markets
Oranges, particularly those from Florida and California, became another casualty as China and the EU raised tariffs on U.S. citrus. According to the U.S. Citrus Department, orange exports dropped by about 20% in 2019, with China’s import volume falling sharply. This left growers with excess supply, leading to lower prices in domestic markets. Juice producers and snack makers saw changing costs, affecting everything from breakfast tables to school cafeterias. Some growers shifted to selling more fresh fruit domestically, while others reduced plantings to cope with the uncertainty. The orange, often seen as a symbol of American abundance, faced one of its toughest seasons in recent memory.
Beef: Steak on Unsteady Ground
American beef exports to China and other Asian countries were hit by retaliatory tariffs, leading to a slowdown in shipments and price pressure at home. The U.S. Meat Export Federation reported that beef exports to China dropped by nearly 50% in the height of the trade war. Cattle ranchers and meatpackers felt the impact as inventories swelled and prices dipped. Steakhouse chains and burger joints sometimes benefited from lower wholesale prices, but the overall industry suffered from lost international sales. Producers worked to diversify markets, but the unpredictability made long-term planning difficult. Beef’s journey from ranch to restaurant became yet another sign of how trade wars reach far beyond the negotiating table.
Cherries: A Sweet Crop with Bitter Consequences
Cherries, a booming export for states like Washington and Oregon, faced a brutal blow when China slapped a 25% tariff on U.S. fruit. The Northwest Horticultural Council reported that cherry exports to China sank by over 50% in 2018. This left growers with mountains of unsold fruit, often forced to sell at steep discounts domestically. Some cherry farmers saw their entire annual profits wiped out in a single season. Grocery stores might have seen small price drops, but the loss was devastating for people who depend on seasonal crops. Cherries, with their short growing window and high perishability, became an especially poignant example of how fast trade barriers can reshape American agriculture and dining.
Peanuts: The Everyday Snack Under Pressure
Peanuts, a staple in everything from school lunches to ballpark snacks, also found themselves caught up in the trade war. China, one of the largest foreign buyers of American peanuts, raised tariffs in response to U.S. actions. According to the American Peanut Council, exports to China dropped by over 30% in 2019. This surplus drove down prices for American peanut farmers, affecting the entire supply chain from growers to snack manufacturers. Some producers shifted focus to domestic markets or processed peanut products, but the uncertainty made it hard to plan ahead. Even something as familiar as a peanut butter sandwich became a subtle indicator of international trade tensions.
