How Tariffs Are Raising Costs for American Consumers: From Groceries to Cars
The cost of living in the United States is rising, and one major reason is the return of tariffs—taxes on imported goods—imposed by the Trump administration. These tariffs are already affecting everything from basic groceries to the cost of cars, and more increases are expected as new tariffs roll out from April 2.
Economists warn that higher costs are on the way for many everyday items, especially those imported from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. As companies pay more to bring these goods into the country, those extra costs are being passed directly to consumers.
Grocery Prices Are Climbing Fast
One of the clearest effects of the tariffs can be seen at the grocery store. Many fruits, vegetables, and juices that Americans buy every week come from countries now facing trade taxes. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), prices for these items have already started to climb and are expected to go even higher.
Since 2020, CBS News has been tracking these prices through weekly surveys at hundreds of stores nationwide. The result? A clear rise in costs for imported items like avocados, tomatoes, berries, and orange juice—foods that many households rely on daily.
Experts say that as tariffs take effect, grocery stores will have no choice but to raise prices, making meals more expensive for families across the country.
Cars and Trucks Are Getting Pricier
Another area where consumers are feeling the pinch is transportation. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle, repairing your car, or simply renewing your insurance, the cost of keeping a vehicle on the road has gone up sharply.
Tariffs on foreign-made cars and parts are expected to raise prices even more. Analysts estimate that new tariffs could add thousands of dollars to the price tag of a car. Used car prices, which already spiked after the COVID pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and a chip shortage, are also staying high.
Even getting a car repaired is more expensive now. Parts are harder to find and cost more, and labor shortages in repair shops are making things worse. All of this affects car insurance, which has also seen big increases due to rising repair costs and more frequent road accidents.
Building and Manufacturing Costs Are Also Rising
Tariffs are also having a strong impact on construction and manufacturing. Essential materials like steel and aluminum, used in everything from building houses to making appliances, are becoming more expensive due to import taxes.
These raw materials are the foundation of many industries, and when their costs go up, so do the prices of finished products. That means higher costs for homes, appliances, and even infrastructure projects, which can affect both businesses and ordinary people.