As many Americans grow weary of inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living, they are also voicing their struggles to survive in the current economy. According to the USDA, food prices are expected to increase by 3.2% this year alone. However, since the Trump administration announced reciprocal tariffs to match the tax rates imposed by other countries, purchasing essentials, such as food, toiletries, and other necessities, will likely become even more expensive.
The impact will be felt first among consumers, agriculture, and food supply chains. For example, the United States relies on cattle from both Canada and Mexico to meet its beef demand. However, with the imposition of 25 percent tariffs by the U.S. and retaliatory tariffs from those countries, a trade war could erupt, disrupting the supply chain. Cattle imported from Canada and Mexico play a crucial role in supplementing what the U.S. cannot supply on its own.
A Latino-owned butcher shop in Bakersfield, Carnicería Gonzales by Mr. Wagyu, primarily stocks its store with Australian and Japanese Wagyu, along with other varieties of meat. Gabriel Gonzales, the owner, who has been in the meat industry for nearly ten years, explained that, unlike other butcher shops and supermarkets, he doesn’t rely on the “big packaging houses” for his products. Instead, he sources from small farms that prioritize consistency in quality over quantity. Purchasing meat from local farms typically means higher prices, which are reflected in stores.
“The numbers are going to change with these tariffs, both negatively and positively. It could go either way. In the short term, we’re talking about a 10 to 15 percent increase in cattle—the beef that’s being imported here—even the Australian and Japanese products that I have and sell,” said Gonzales.
However, Gonzales noted that he isn’t sure when his business will feel the impact, as he has already purchased all his products for the month of April. If his shop does take a hit from the new tax rates, he said, “As a small business owner, I can still keep costs down. I show up every day, and I cut my meat. We have to adapt and go with the times.”
He also explained that, when it comes to the American market, there is a lot of greed among large companies that continue to raise their prices. “The goal isn’t to be greedy and get rich off one customer,” he said. “It’s about longevity.”
“The tariffs will affect [businesses], so as business owners and companies, we’re going to pass it along to the consumers. Whether it’s good or bad, everything is going to get more expensive. I don’t see it going any other way,” said Gonzales.
Although the tariffs will affect imported goods from other countries, Gonzales pointed out that, in theory, it could benefit the American meat industry by reducing competition and increasing demand for American beef.
“But it could also become a problem, since the cattle supply here is at its lowest recorded level since 1961. If demand spikes, ranchers can’t magically produce more cattle overnight; it takes time, care, and resources—things they’ve been lacking—to produce quality beef,” said Gonzales.
When asked how else the tariffs could affect meat suppliers, Gonzales stated, “The big players and corporations will survive, but small independent farms could struggle, which is bad for the future of high-quality beef.”
Gonzales suggested that if consumers are worried about prices and want to maintain their budgets, they should rethink how they purchase and consume beef, choosing quality over quantity. In the end, Gonzales said he hopes the tariffs will ultimately benefit the American people.
