Prepare for an increase in grocery prices amid the trade war.
Canadians Brace for Higher Grocery Bills Amid Retaliatory Tariffs
With uncertainty surrounding Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, one thing is clear: everyday expenses are about to rise—especially when it comes to groceries.
From California oranges to green onions, many imported food items could face new taxes, leading to price hikes at supermarkets. Some shoppers at Esposito, a grocery store in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, say they are already reconsidering their buying habits.
“I’ll be looking for products that aren’t affected by the tariffs,” said Rebecca Million.
Another customer, Joan, added, “There will be some things I just won’t buy anymore.”
Experts warn that higher costs on U.S. imports will be felt quickly at checkout.
“The food we import from the U.S. will become more expensive,” said Pascal Thériault, an agricultural economist at McGill University. “Consumers will likely see price increases for fruits and vegetables very soon, as we rely heavily on California, Florida, and the southern U.S. for fresh produce.”
The impact isn’t limited to grocery shoppers. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) warns that tariffs could also hurt companies exporting to the U.S.
“Agriculture products are a major part of our exports,” said Jasmin Guénette, CFIB’s vice-president of National Affairs. “The effects will be felt across the board.”
Amid the trade tensions, some Canadians are considering a shift toward local products. Calls to boycott American goods have grown, with consumers looking for the maple leaf label.
“I’ll try to buy Canadian whenever I can,” said shopper Mary Poland. “But it’s not always that simple—we don’t produce everything here. That’s why we trade.”
While Canada does offer unique products, such as exclusive chip flavors and locally made sweets, Thériault points out that completely avoiding American goods is nearly impossible.
“Our food system is deeply interconnected,” he explained. “A Canadian company might package food products using U.S. ingredients, meaning we’re still relying on American imports.”
As shoppers navigate rising costs, many say they’ll need to pay closer attention to their purchases to save money in these uncertain times.
