
As the ongoing trade war between the United States and several of its largest trading partners continues to escalate, Americans are bracing themselves for yet another devastating consequence: a significant increase in grocery prices.
According to experts, the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods have already had a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy. But now, it seems that these measures will directly impact the cost of living essentials such as food and household items.
“We’re looking at a scenario where the average American family may need to pay up to 10% more for their groceries,” warns Dr. Emily M. Johnson, an economist with the University of California, Berkeley. “This is not just about tariffs on soybeans or cars – this has far-reaching consequences for everyday consumers.”
The administration’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, followed by subsequent tariffs on various other goods, has already led to retaliatory measures from countries like China and the European Union. In response, US companies are being forced to adjust their supply chains or face significant losses.
“Inevitably, these costs will be passed down to consumers,” notes Dr. Johnson. “We’re talking about a 5-10% increase in prices for many staple items, including food, household goods, and even personal care products.”
The implications of this are stark. For low-income families and those living paycheck-to-paycheck, the added expense will be catastrophic. A recent report by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to make ends meet in the event of a 5-10% increase in grocery prices.
Meanwhile, companies like Walmart, Target, and other major retailers are scrambling to adapt to these new realities. In an effort to mitigate the impact on consumers, they’re implementing price controls and looking for alternative suppliers.
It remains unclear how long this trade war will continue or whether any relief is in sight.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/how-trumps-trade-war-will-make-your-groceries-even-more-expensive-2000575745