dinero_admin Because of the new tariffs, strawberries now cost up to US$5 per pound and avocados reach US$2, which directly impacts the pocket of US consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, avocados are one of the most imported products, with a value of US$3.1 billion in 2024. In addition, Mexico supplies more than 50% of fresh fruit and nearly 70% of imported vegetables.
Rising import costs have led retailers such as Target to warn that they will pass these costs on to customers. Some of the effects are already reflected on the shelves: an orange costs US$0.88, a tomato reaches US$1.98 and a small chili bell pepper goes for US$0.86. Even corn cobs are sold at US$0.75 per unit.
For El Salvador, this measure could have mixed effects. The increase in the price of mexican products could open an opportunity for salvadoran exporters to increase their shipments of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. However, being a country that imports a lot of food from North America, it could also face an increase in the costs of some basic products.
The impact on the salvadoran economy will depend on the market reaction. If the US seeks alternative suppliers to Mexico, countries like El Salvador could benefit from increased exports.
While Trump defends the tariffs as a strategy to reduce the US agricultural trade deficit, the impact on international markets is just beginning to be felt. For El Salvador, the challenge will be to take advantage of the opportunities that arise and mitigate the negative effects on its economy.
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