In the world of international trade, tariffs can significantly influence the price of various goods, including many of our favorite snacks. These taxes, imposed on imported goods, can affect everything from your morning cup of coffee to your late-night chocolate indulgence. The cost of these tariffs often trickles down to the consumer, resulting in higher prices for certain food items.
If you’ve noticed an uptick in the price of your favorite snacks, it might be due to these international trade tariffs. Here’s a list of 15 snacks that have become more expensive due to these tariffs.
1. Almonds
Almonds, a popular and healthy snack, have been impacted by tariffs. The United States is the world’s leading producer of almonds, exporting nearly 70% of its yield. However, retaliatory tariffs by countries like China and India have increased prices.
China, for example, imposed a 50% tariff on U.S. almonds in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. This has led to a decrease in demand for American almonds in China, contributing to an increase in prices. Almond lovers may have to shell out more for their favorite snack due to these trade disputes.
2. Pistachios
Similar to almonds, pistachios are another nut that has been affected by tariffs. The U.S. is one of the largest pistachio producers worldwide, with a significant portion of the crop exported, particularly to China.
However, with the 2018 trade war between the U.S. and China, the latter imposed a retaliatory 45% tariff on U.S. pistachios. This has resulted in a decrease in Chinese demand for U.S. pistachios, leading to higher prices for consumers.
3. Cheese
For cheese enthusiasts, the bad news is that tariffs have also impacted the cheese industry. The U.S imports a lot of its cheese, particularly from the European Union (EU).
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including cheese. As a result, imported cheeses have seen a significant price increase, providing a sour note for cheese lovers.
4. Olives
Olives, a staple in Mediterranean diets and a popular snack worldwide, have also been affected by tariffs. Spain is one of the world’s largest olive producers, and the U.S. is one of its biggest markets.
In 2018, the U.S. imposed a tariff on Spanish olives, leading to a steep decline in exports and a rise in prices. If you enjoy olives as a snack, you might have noticed an increase in their cost.
5. Peanut Butter
An American staple, peanut butter has also been hit by tariffs. The U.S. is one of the largest producers of peanuts, and peanut butter is a popular export, particularly to Canada.
However, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. peanut butter in 2018. This has led to a decrease in demand for American peanut butter in Canada, raising prices for consumers.
6. Chocolate
The cost of your sweet indulgence might have also gone up due to tariffs. The U.S. imports a significant amount of its chocolate, particularly from the EU.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including chocolate. As a result, imported chocolates have become more expensive, leaving a bitter taste for chocolate lovers.
7. Biscuits and Cookies
Biscuits and cookies are another snack that has been hit by tariffs. The U.S. imports a lot of its biscuits, particularly from the EU.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including biscuits and cookies. As a result, imported biscuits have seen a significant price increase, crumbling the joy of cookie enthusiasts.
8. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt, a popular and healthy snack, has also been impacted by tariffs. The U.S. imports a significant amount of its Greek yogurt, particularly from the EU.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including Greek yogurt. As a result, imported Greek yogurt has seen a significant price increase, curdling the pleasure of yogurt lovers.
9. Wine
If you enjoy a glass of wine with your cheese, you might have noticed an increase in its price. The U.S. imports a significant amount of its wine, particularly from the EU.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including wine. As a result, imported wines have seen a significant price increase, leaving a sour aftertaste for wine enthusiasts.
10. Coffee
Your morning cup of joe might have also become more expensive due to tariffs. The U.S. imports most of its coffee, with major suppliers being EU countries, Mexico, and Canada.
In response to U.S. tariffs, these countries have imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including coffee. This has led to an increase in coffee prices, giving a bitter start to the day for coffee lovers.
11. Whiskey
Whiskey lovers have not been spared the impact of tariffs. The U.S. is a major exporter of whiskey, particularly to the EU.
However, the EU imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. whiskey in 2018, in retaliation to U.S. tariffs on European goods. This has led to a decrease in demand for U.S. whiskey in Europe, raising prices for whiskey enthusiasts.
12. Apples
Apples, a healthy and popular snack, have also been impacted by tariffs. The U.S. is one of the largest producers of apples, with China being a significant market.
However, China imposed a 40% tariff on U.S. apples in 2018, in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. This has led to a decrease in Chinese demand for U.S. apples, leading to higher prices for consumers.
13. Salmon
Salmon, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, has also become more expensive due to tariffs. The U.S. imports a significant amount of its salmon, particularly from Norway.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including Norwegian salmon. As a result, imported salmon has seen a significant price increase, leaving a fishy taste for salmon lovers.
14. Pasta
Pasta, a staple in many households, has also been hit by tariffs. The U.S. imports a significant amount of its pasta, particularly from Italy.
In 2019, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on EU goods, including pasta. As a result, imported pasta has seen a significant price increase, leaving a starchy burden for pasta lovers.
15. Tequila
Tequila, a popular spirit, has not been spared the impact of tariffs. The U.S. imports all of its tequila from Mexico.
However, in 2018, in response to U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods, Mexico imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. goods, including tequila. This has led to an increase in tequila prices, leaving a bitter aftertaste for tequila enthusiasts.