Shoppers complain prices are up over the last 3 weeks and cannot fathom that tariff talks have them bracing for even higher prices.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 11:33AM
Raegan Medgie has the latest from the Bronx
QUEENS (WABC) — President Donald Trump’s 10 percent tariff on Chinese products went into effect just after midnight.
China has since announced retaliatory measures, including tariffs on American coal, natural gas and crude oil.
Meanwhile, the president has paused tariffs that were supposed to go into effect for imports from Mexico and Canada.
In New York, visitors of the largest wholesale market of fruits and vegetables in the country — the Hunts Point Produce Market — is sure to feel the impact of the new tariffs.
U.S. tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico were supposed to go into effect Tuesday but President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause as both countries met his demands to increase border security and address drug trafficking.
Concerns still loom about what could still happen if tariffs are put into place on the two nations.
Most of our produce comes from Mexico and Canada, particularly during the winter months
If the tariffs went into effect as planned, avocado prices would have been severely impacted, according to a Hunts Point wholesaler.
“The owner of that bodega will weigh out ‘do I still want to buy this apple from Canada when I can buy the New York State apple that doesnb’t have a tariff which, therefore, is cheaper and I can have a more attractive price for my customer,” a wholesaler told Eyewitness News
Shoppers, some of whom voted for President Donald Trump after he promised to bring prices down, are frustrated that these tariffs could hit them in the wallet.
Wall Street was supposed to rally and everyday costs were supposed to come down. It has been 3 weeks, is everything headed in the wrong direction?
“If you think prices are high now, wait until no food comes across that border for 7 days,” another shopper said.
Shoppers complain prices are up over the last 3 weeks and cannot fathom that tariff talks have them bracing for even higher prices.
“I’m worried about the prices, the prices went up so much so far, blamed things on the previous guys, and now it’s exploding. This is terrible,” a shopper said.
Eyewitness News checked a C-Town, a Trader Joe’s, and a Stop & Shop all in Queens for things like blueberries, grapes, limes, avocados, bananas, and strawberries. Overall, the prices at C-town seemed lower.
Bananas were less at Trader Joe’s. Bulk deals were better at Stop & Shop.
People are also watching tequila prices.
“I don’t know what Trump is gonna do. He’s been messing everything up for everybody,” a shopper said.
People hope there may be somehow, some method to this madness.
“I still have faith,” a shopper said.
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Shoppers complain prices are up over the last 3 weeks and cannot fathom that tariff talks have them bracing for even higher prices.