AMERICANS should stock up on certain pantry staples before they potentially become significantly more expensive in the next few days.
Under the trade war and the steep tariffs on Chinese goods, shoppers should be sure to grab 10 grocery staples before they skyrocket in price.
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The Trump administration is in a back-and-forth tariff battle with countries around the world as the president works to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign imports.
Trump implemented a base 10% tariff on imports from numerous countries, with some facing even higher rates, later announcing a surprising suspension on many of them for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations.
The suspension, however, is not applicable to Chinese imports, which now face 145% tariffs.
High levies are also still increasing the cost to import goods from other countries in Asia, such as Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Consumers are likely to feel the pangs at the grocery store as a result, with grocery prices more likely than not increasing soon.
Some price jumps could take effect as soon as next week due to the rising tariffs.
Although shoppers are likely expecting food items such as soy sauce to hike in cost, other less obvious products – such as packaged meals and candy – could likewise take a hit.
Consumers should grab the following 10 grocery goods before the next cost increase hits.
1. CANDY
Many candies manufactured in bulk could see a price jump due to the trade war.
China plays a major role in the global candy industry, producing many popular candies – especially hard candies and lollipops – for worldwide distribution.
Many companies use Chinese factories for manufacturing or source ingredients from China because they are cost-effective.
2. CANNED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Certain canned fruits and pickled vegetables may also soon rise in price as the increasing tariffs take hold.
Notably, shoppers should stock up on canned lychees and pickled radishes before the cost jump.
These goods are heavily imported from Asia, including countries such as China and Vietnam.
3. PET TREATS
Many dog treats and rawhide chews are manufactured in China, meaning that these will likely increase in price.
Additionally, companies that make the treats in the US often use imported ingredients.
Tariffs on these ingredients increase manufacturing costs, which are then passed on to consumers.
Pet treats also often use imported packaging materials such as aluminum and steel, which are subject to tariffs and contribute to rising production costs.
4. PACKAGED MEALS AND CANNED FOODS
Even foods made in the US could be subject to a price hike under the trade war.
For example, shoppers may notice that packaged meals and canned foods are more expensive.
Packaging components such as plastic film, plastic containers, and metal frequently are shipped from countries such as China and South Korea.
Nearly any food sold in packaging could in turn cost more as a result.
What items will be affected by the tariffs?
AMERICANS should prepare to see significant prices changes on everything from avocados to cars under President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs.
Here is a list of some of the everyday products that could see a massive price tag surge.
- Coffee
- Tea
- Bananas
- Foreign-made cars
- Sneakers
- Furniture and other home goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- Video games
- Clothing
- Toys
- Washers and dryers
- Avocados
- Housing materials
5. SOY SAUCE AND RICE VINEGAR
Shoppers should stock up on popular Asian products such as soy sauce and rice vinegar before they cost a pretty penny more.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar are commonly used in Asian cuisine and frequently sourced from Asia, particularly China.
These products are often manufactured in China or made using ingredients from China.
6. GARLIC
Garlic, a staple ingredient in most kitchens, is likely to take a hit under the high tariffs on Chinese goods.
Although a significant amount of garlic comes from California, China is by far the world’s leading producer of garlic.
The country accounts for roughly 73% of the global supply.
Due to pressure from the tariffs, shoppers could see the price of the pantry staple rise dramatically.
7. FROZEN FISH
Although domestic fish species such as salmon and catfish are key components of the domestic seafood market, the US is a significant importer of seafood.
Low-cost seafood such as frozen tilapia and cod are regularly farm-raised and manufactured in the China.
As a result, consumers can reasonably expect these products to soon jump in price.
8. RAMEN
Instant ramen and noodle cups have become a staple in many American diets, as they are affordable and easy to make.
The market for instant ramen noodles in North America was valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, with a significant amount of the popular product imported from Asian countries.
Most of the instant noodles are manufactured in China or Vietnam, and the pressure these countries are now facing under Trump’s tariffs means prices of these Asian-style products are likely to soon rise.
9. SNACK FOODS
Snacks containing citric acid or MSG, monosodium glutamate, could become more expensive under the new tariffs.
MSG is a flavor enhancer used in many food products to create a savory, umami taste, while citric acid is commonly added to foods as a preservative and flavor enhancer.
Both of these additives are frequently imported from China, so consumers may see a price jump on their favorite snacks.
How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
BELOW are some tips on how to reduce the amount you spend on groceries.
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
10. TEA
Americans who enjoy a daily cup of tea or two should stock up on tea packets before they spike in cost.
China produces a huge portion of the world’s tea, accounting for roughly 50% of global production in 2023.
The country stands as the largest tea producer and exporter globally, with Taiwan also ranking high.
A good portion of tea is produced in these Asian countries, especially green and jasmine tea.
Under the rising tariffs, budget tea bags could become notably more costly.
Shoppers are turning to a key method to save money as grocery staples continue to skyrocket in 2025.
To make matters worse, millions of shoppers are being forced to pay a new fee on groceries and goods under an April 1 law.