New tariffs on Canada could raise grocery prices in an already complex economy
(ABC 6 News) — New tariffs on Canadian goods could raise grocery and household costs for shoppers across the area. Tyler Schipper, an associate professor of data analytics and economics at the University of St. Thomas, said the new tariffs could have a significant local impact, especially given the current state of the economy and Canada’s role as one of the United States’ largest trading partners. Shoppers at southeast Minnesota grocery stores aren’t thrilled about the prospect of an additional 50% tariff […]
(ABC 6 News)— New tariffs on Canadian goods could raise grocery and household costs for shoppers across the area. Tyler Schipper, an associate professor of data analytics and economics at the University of St. Thomas, said the new tariffs could have a significant local impact, especially given the current state of the economy and Canada’s role as one of the United States’ largest trading partners. Shoppers at southeast Minnesota grocery stores aren’t thrilled about the prospect of an additional 50% tariff on Canadian goods. “I think it’s a bunch of BS,” Steve Exline said. The Trump administration said the 50% tariff will apply to a wide range of Canadian goods, including alcohol, dairy products and hockey sticks. Administration officials said the move is in response to Canada’s retaliation against tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in 2025. “By doing this, President Trump is leveling the playing field for crucial American exports: motor vehicles, alcohol and dairy,” a senior Trump administration official said. Exline questioned the administration’s reasoning, pointing to the close trade relationship between the United States and Canada. “Iowa is a neighbor of ours, and I don’t feel like we’re enemies of Iowa or Wisconsin or the Dakotas,” Exline said. Schipper said it’s difficult to predict when shoppers could see prices come down because of the constantly changing tariff environment. “For the typical American consumer, even for the typical economist, trying to tease out the different effects of all of these price shocks and the changing tariff environment right now is extremely difficult, and it’s hard to tell which moving pieces are causing which price increases,” Schipper said. Last month’s Consumer Price Index report found inflation fell to 3. 5% from 4. 2% in June, the lowest annual rate since March. One factual note: the final sentence appears inconsistent. It says inflation “fell to 3. 5% from 4. 2% in June,” while also referring to “last month’s” report. If this is for publication, I’d verify the months and figures before airing or posting. For Related Stories:President TrumptariffsAlex Karwowski