Which foods will cost more first? For shoppers, tariffs aren't an abstract policy—they impact what's on the table. Coffee, olive oil, wine, chocolate, and spices top the list of grocery imports most exposed to new tariffs:
- Coffee: Tariffs of 40–50% on Swiss and Brazilian beans fueled a 25% jump in retail prices over three months.
- Vegetables: Wholesale prices surged 40% in July, the biggest jump in three years—stockpiling isn't feasible for perishables.
- Olive Oil & Wine: Spanish and Italian varieties (subject to 10–25% tariffs) are set for phased price hikes, with retailers warning of increases in the coming quarter due to climate shocks and tariffs alike.
- Chocolate & Spices: Swiss chocolate now faces a 39% duty; Indian spices are hit with a 50% levy.
Don’t expect an instant sticker shock—the impact is rolling in gradually, with each product line hitting higher costs at different times. Meanwhile, producers shifting prices downstream complicates the inflation picture for policymakers and shoppers alike.
