AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Canada, China and Mexico could have an impact on your upcoming grocery store trip.
Last week, Trump announced tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. The tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada were paused Monday for one month. The tariffs against China are expected to go into effect Tuesday.
The Trump administration said these tariffs aim “to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.”
Standing outside an east Austin H-E-B store, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) said they expect tariffs to impact Texans at the grocery store as Mexico is the state’s largest trading partner .
Mexico imports about 63% of vegetable imports and 47% of fruit and nut imports to the United States, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
“We’re concerned about the Trump grocery tax that’s about to go into effect,” Doggett said.
Doggett said Texans would most immediately feel the tariffs at the grocery store and in the produce aisles if the tariffs go into effect. He also said vehicle and home prices could also increase in Texas as vehicle parts can pass over the border multiple times in the manufacturing process.
Casar said he is looking to take legislative and legal action to prevent these impacts.
Texas restaurants will likely pass off increased food costs to their consumers. The Texas Restaurant Association said it is urging food service businesses to communicate with suppliers regularly and talk about potential alternatives to prepare to maintain guest experiences in a changing marketplace.
“Unfortunately, increased food costs will ultimately be borne by consumers at restaurants and grocery stores,” a statement said.
Imports to Texas
Texas imports about $37 billion in Canadian goods per year, according to 2024 data from the Canadian consulate. Of this, about 6% of these are agricultural goods. Canada is the second-largest export market for Texas.
Texas imports about $142.7 billion from Mexico, according to the Texas governor’s office.
