What are the tariffs Trump is proposing? And how might they affect the food we buy?
US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Mexico and its mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, would face a 25% tariff on all imports. These new tariffs on Mexican products in the United States could cause a drastic increase in prices, among other consequences. Here we'll tell you which foods could be affected by this action.
What are the tariffs that Trump is proposing?
Tariffs are taxes, contributions, fees or duties that countries charge on goods imported from another country.
The purpose of tariffs is generally to protect local production, because by making foreign products more expensive, domestic goods compete better commercially.
Although there are other purposes as well, such as part of trade negotiations due to international conflicts.
What does Mexico export to the United States?
Despite this, agricultural products are of great importance in the trade relationship between the two countries. The United States is Mexico's main trading partner in this sector.
Furthermore, these Mexican exports supply 74% of U.S. agricultural imports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Fruits
The fruits that Mexico exports the most to the United States by value are:
- Avocados
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Lemons
In 2023 they represent 14% of total imports and from the period 2021 to 2023 a value of $10,265 million was recorded.
Vegetables
The vegetables that Mexico exports the most to the United States by value are:
- Tomato
- Red pepper
- cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Onion
In 2023 they represent 13% of total imports and from the period 2021 to 2023 a value of $9,445 million was recorded.
Beer
In 2023, beer represented 13% of all products imported into the United States from Mexico. From 2021 to 2023 alone, beer exports totaled $5.3 billion.
Tequila
Currently, tequila represents 10% of total U.S. imports from Mexico. From 2021 to 2023, a total of $4.3 billion was recorded.
Given the potential 25% tariff that Donald Trump is proposing on Mexican products, American consumers would be the most affected, as they would have to pay more for basic consumer goods.
Since these are everyday consumer products for many Americans, they might feel the need to buy them despite the price increase.
It is a reality that these measures seek to reduce dependence on Mexican imports and create a significant impact on the local economy by supporting national products.
What was Claudia Sheinbaum's response to this announcement?
“These major challenges require cooperation and mutual economic understanding. One tariff will be met with another in response, and so on until we jeopardize our shared businesses.”
Given this, if Mexico responds with more tariffs, many food products from the United States could become more expensive.
Mexican consumers could be affected by the increased cost of these products.
In addition to those already mentioned, other US products in Mexico that could become more expensive include: pork, beef, eggs, and dairy products.
What could be the consequences for Mexico if Trump's tariffs are imposed?
If Donald Trump imposes these tariffs on Mexican products, American consumers would have to pay more for many of these basic goods.
Mexican products in the United States would lose competitiveness, as they would have to compete against products from other countries such as Canada or Brazil, and even against local products.
This recent announcement could create uncertainty for companies in both countries and impact millions of jobs that depend on these imports.
Similarly, if President Claudia Sheinbaum decides to impose tariffs on US products, there would be an increase in the price of various basic goods that would affect Mexican consumers.