Does your grocery bill already feel outrageous? Be ready, it’s only going to get worse. Starting March 4, 2025, a new policy from President Trump will impose a 25% tariff on imported goods from Mexico and Canada. And it’s not just eggs—prices across nearly every aisle will likely climb.
Why? Mexico and Canada are the top suppliers of agricultural products to the U.S. About 77% of our fresh produce comes from Mexico, and 34% of fresh meat comes from Canada. With these imports facing hefty tariffs, shoppers can expect noticeable price hikes. While the full impact remains unclear, experts warn that grocery costs will soon rise.
Target CEO Brian Cornell warned that the company may have to raise prices on fruits and vegetables soon due to President Trump’s new tariffs on Mexican exports. In a CNBC interview on Tuesday, Cornell noted that Target relies heavily on Mexican produce during the winter. “Those are categories where we’ll try to protect pricing, but the consumer will likely see price increases over the next couple of days,” he said.
What can budget-conscious shoppers do? Stock up now on essential food items from Mexico and Canada before prices jump in the coming weeks. Here are key groceries to buy in bulk while costs remain low.
Cereal Grains
Canada is a big exporter of wheat barley and oats. Thus, it is likely the price of cereals, oatmeal, flour and even oat milk will increase.
Avocados
The recent introduction of a 25% tariff on imports is expected to have a major impact on avocado prices in the United States. With Mexico supplying about 90% of the avocados consumed in the U.S., the market is especially vulnerable to these tariffs, according to The Sun.