US citizens are suffering from a huge tomato crisis and dramatically high prices. Trump's policies are to blame.
Tomatoes in the US can be found everywhere on menus – on burgers in fast food restaurants, but also in more upscale establishments, and ketchup is a staple of many American dishes.
Today, they play an important role not only on the plates, but also in the purchasing decisions of many Americans. According to the latest US consumer price index, Currently, the price of vegetables is about 40 percent. higher than a year ago. This means that it has increased much more than the prices of other food products, which are already expensive and can hit your pocket hard. It's gotten to the point where people are recording videos in stores about how expensive they are because they can't believe it themselves.
The price of coffee increased by 18.5%, the price of frozen fish and seafood increased by 12%.
According to Thursday's inflation estimates, prices in the US increased by a total of 3.8 percent compared to the same period last year. This is the highest increase in almost three years.
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The US imposes a 17% tariffs on tomatoes
Experts attribute the increase in tomato prices to two elements of US President Donald Trump's policies in particular: war with Iran and customs. This way The United States withdrew from an agreement that allowed duty-free imports of tomatoes from Mexico. However, most of the tomatoes sold in the USA come from there. Last July American tomato growers were still celebrating their withdrawal from the agreement. They saw it as an opportunity to revitalize their shrinking industry.
However, for consumers the consequences were painful. In late winter and early spring, imports increased and tomatoes were subjected to a 17% tariff. “Tariffs are a major driver of price inflation,” explains economics professor Brett Massimino.
The company is complaining about $1.7 million. (PLN 6.1 million) additional costs
Consumer outrage is enormous. Many of them have recently recorded videos while shopping, published them online and complained about the price increases. Some announced that they will start their own garden.
But the problem also concerns larger chains, such as “Snarf's Sandwiches”, which operates, among others, in Colorado. The price of a box of tomatoes increased from $27 to $93 within a year. (PLN 98-338) says Chief Operating Officer Wayne Humphrey. — This one ingredient currently costs us over $1.7 million. (PLN 6.1 million) additional expenses per year – he adds.
In April, inflation in the United States rose faster than at any time in the past three years. This is the result of the war in Iran, which was started by the American president together with Israel.
If Democrats in the US showed even an ounce of the media talent that the current president has, they would get to work now. They would launch a big campaign and popularize it on all possible channels new slogan: “Trumpflation”.
Because although Republicans referred to the sharp increase in prices in 2022 and 2023 as “Bidenflation”, today it is clearly visible: instead of “prices falling from day one” Donald Trump's policies have been raising the cost of living in the US for a year and a half. Inflation is currently 3.8%, the highest level since May 2023. Main reason: shock on the oil market and the effects of the war with Iran.
However, there are more problems
Donald Trump's administration is entering the hurricane season in the US. At the same time, it has the lowest number of employees dealing with the effects of natural disasters since 2021, a huge backlog of aid applications and many vacancies in the highest positions in the crisis management services.
Donald Trump's cuts to agencies that do everything from clearing roads to providing temporary housing raise concerns that the government will fail to help desperate people and devastated communities.
That could mean the United States is less prepared for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins Monday, than it was last year, several emergency managers say.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
