Trade policies have dramatically reshaped American grocery shopping in recent months. Tariffs affecting imports from major trading partners have driven food prices by 15-20% while threatening permanent shortages by the end of 2025. Grocery stores now report fewer choices and empty shelves, especially for items from Mexico, China, and Asia.
Imported Seafood
A 10% tariff has already driven seafood prices 15-20% up, with retailers threatening a permanent shortage very soon. Asian shrimp and Vietnamese tilapia have become particularly scarce. Domestic fisheries cannot scale fast enough to cover the deficit; wild-caught Alaskan salmon supplies only 8% of national demand.
Imported Wine
Wine prices are expected to rise due to tariffs. European wine distributors have reduced their selections by 25% in many markets. Some specialty wine shops report customers stockpiling favorite bottles before further price increases.
Speciality Coffee Beans
With 99% of coffee imported in the USA, the prices of coffee are expected to rise significantly due to tariffs. Premium coffee shops have reduced their imported bean selections by nearly half. Small roasters are having difficulty sourcing Ethiopian and Colombian varieties that customers prefer.
European Cheese
Premium cheese imports from Europe face new tariff barriers of 20%. Brie, Gouda, and aged Parmesan have become luxury items rather than regular purchases. Cheese counters display significantly fewer imported varieties.
Olive Oil
Mediterranean olive oils face European tariffs that have reduced availability. Premium extra virgin varieties disappear from shelves within hours of delivery. Many consumers have switched to domestic alternatives or reduced cooking oil usage,
Fresh Avocados
About 90% of avocados come from Mexico, making them extremely vulnerable to trade disruptions. Grocery chains are facing significant supply shortages as importers struggle with new tariff costs. Many stores limit purchases to two avocados per customer when stock arrives.
Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits, including bananas, pineapple, and coconut, will see price increases because of tariffs. These foods are not shelf-stable, so there is no stockpile of them waiting to be put on shelves. Fresh mangoes and papaya shipments arrive less frequently at higher costs.
Mexican Tomatoes
Fresh tomato imports from Mexico face substantial tariffs of 21%. Cherry tomatoes and Roma varieties show the biggest gap on product shelves. Grocery stores have been receiving fewer tomato shipments this year compared to previous seasons.
Chinese Garlic
China produces over 80% of the world’s garlic supply. High tariffs have made Chinese garlic extremely expensive when available. Domestic garlic production cannot meet demand, leaving shelves empty for days at a time.
Imported Nuts
Cashews and pistachios from Asia encounter significant trade barriers. Mixed nut products now contain fewer exotic varieties and more domestic peanuts. Health food stores report customers asking for specific nuts that remain unavailable.
Speciality Spices
Indian and Asian spice imports face higher duties and baseline tariffs of 10%. Turmeric, cardamom, and specialty curry blends show frequent stock shortages. Restaurant owners are having difficulty sourcing authentic species for traditional dishes.
Chocolate and Cocoa Products
Chocolate faces tariff impacts as coca imports from Africa and Europe become more expensive. Premium chocolate bars cost 30% more when available. Some candy manufacturers have started reformulating products using domestic ingredients.
Canned Fish Products
Asian canned tuna and salmon face substantial import tariffs. Pantry staples like canned sardines and mackerel show consistent availability gaps. Food banks are having difficulty obtaining canned fish products.
Pasta Products
Authentic Italian pasta imports encounter European tariffs of over 20%. Premium pasta brands show frequent shortages while prices increase substantially. Many consumers have switched to domestic pasta brands or reduced pasta consumption because of this.
Tea Varieties
Specialty teas from China and India face import challenges. Earl Grey and green tea selections have shrunk in many stores. Tea shops report customers purchasing larger quantities of favorite blends during restocking periods.
Apple Juice Concentrate
Chinese ingredients face sweeping U.S. tariffs that drive up prices. Much apple juice concentrate comes from China, making this breakfast more expensive. Many American households have been switching to domestic juice brands or diluting concentrate further to stretch supplies.
Basmati and Jasmine Rice
Speciality rice varieties from India and Thailand encounter steep import duties and tariffs of over 25%. Asian grocery stores struggle to maintain an inventory of these aromatic rice types. Many customers now buy multiple bags when stock appears.
Honey Products
Imported honey varieties face new trade barriers. Manuka honey from New Zealand and lavender honey from Europe have become extremely expensive. Local honey producers cannot meet the increased demand for domestic alternatives.
Fresh Peppers
Bell peppers and specialty chile varieties from Mexico encounter trade disruptions. Grocery produce sections show noticeable gaps where colorful pepper displays once stood. Some stores substitute domestic peppers when available.
Tequila and Mezcal
Tequila could become scarce due to tariffs. Premium tequila brands have raised prices by 30% while reducing distribution. Bars are rotating their tequila selections based on available inventory rather than customer preferences.
