Wheat Consumers Think About Looming Tariffs, Food Prices
USAgNet - 04/20/2025
With food prices still elevated from inflation, new tariff policies - like the recently announced 21% tariff on most Mexican tomatoes - are fueling consumer concern and uncertainty across the food and ag supply chain.
New research from Purdue's Brenna Ellison and colleagues at the University of Illinois shows that more than 77% of U.S. consumers are worried about tariffs driving food prices even higher, with many already changing how and what they buy.
These findings also align with March results from Purdue's Consumer Food Insights Report, where 84% of consumers said grocery prices in their area remain "high" and more are turning to store brands, cutting back on nonessentials and even producing food at home.
The research found that most consumers across political lines are worried about grocery bills. Those concerned about tariffs are also more pessimistic about short-term inflation, with the data showing sharp partisan shifts in inflation expectations.
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