It might be worth stocking up on four items in particular
People are being urged to stock up on four items in particular ahead of the Trump administration threatening yet more tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods.
Tensions continue to rise between the US and its North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico, as President Trump shifts his tariff policies in dramatic fashion.
In the latest development, Trump announced a steep 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, set to take effect tomorrow (March 12). However, in a surprising twist, he hinted that he may reconsider this drastic move, leaving many questioning what comes next in the ongoing trade saga.
As tariff hikes loom on the horizon, with a new wave set to take effect on April 2, the trade tensions between the US, Canada, and Mexico show no signs of slowing down. These new tariffs are part of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), covering a wide range of items, including televisions, air conditioners, avocados, and beef, as reported by BBC News.
The pressure is mounting, as Trump has warned that tariffs could still rise further. In retaliation, Canada has pulled American liquors, like Jack Daniel’s, off store shelves. The company’s CEO, Lawson Whiting, called the move “worse than a tariff” after seeing the impact of having their products removed from retail shelves, stating, “It’s literally taking your sales away.”
Ahead of the tariff hikes, Americans are being urged to stock up on essential groceries, especially as Canada and Mexico are key suppliers of food and drink in the US market.
Key Imports from Canada:
- Seafood: Canada is the largest exporter of seafood to the US, particularly shellfish.
- Meat: Over half of fresh red meat in the US comes from Canada, along with poultry and prepared meats like smoked sausage and cured ham.
Key Imports from Mexico:
- Nuts: Mexico is the US’s second-largest supplier of nuts, following Vietnam. Ground nuts are particularly important, with Mexico leading the way.
As these new tariffs take shape, their impact on daily life—especially food prices—could soon be felt across the US.
Canned Legumes
When it comes to canned legumes, the US sources a significant portion from Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, and Peru. These non-perishable goods, unlike their fresh counterparts, have an impressive shelf life of up to five years, making them a smart item to stock up on ahead of any price hikes.
Fruits and Vegetables
In 2023, the US imported a staggering $11 billion worth of fruit from Mexico, a vital trade link that could be disrupted by the upcoming tariffs. Vegetables weren’t far behind, with Canadian and Mexican produce making up $14 billion of imports that same year. With tariffs on the horizon starting April 2, it’s highly likely that these goods will see price increases, prompting many to consider early stocking.
As the tariff war intensifies, these food staples might become more expensive, affecting both grocery bills and access to popular products.
