As football fans gear up for the Super Bowl, another game is playing out in grocery stores across America—the rising cost of avocados. President Trump’s recently imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, effective February 1, 2025, are expected to significantly impact prices on a range of goods, including the beloved avocado, just in time for the big game.
Key Impacts
Avocado Prices
Avocado prices had already been climbing due to multiple factors, including droughts and increased demand. In 2024, avocado prices rose by 11.5% compared to the previous year. Now, with the new 25% tariff, prices are expected to soar even higher. Given that 95% of avocados consumed in the U.S. during the Super Bowl season come from Mexico, these tariffs will be felt by consumers almost immediately.
According to Bloomberg, avocado prices had already increased by 14% year-over-year before the tariffs, and this additional cost will only push them further upward.
Other Super Bowl Foods Affected
It’s not just avocados facing price hikes. Other essential Super Bowl foods, such as:
Tomatoes: Prices have increased by 11.9%, impacting guacamole and salsa lovers alike.
Beer and Tequila: Imported beverages from Mexico and Canada, key staples of game-day gatherings, are also expected to become pricier.
Certain Meats: Meat imports from Mexico and Canada, including beef and pork, are anticipated to see similar price increases, affecting popular Super Bowl party foods like tacos and nachos.
Consumer Costs
Grocery stores typically pass the burden of tariffs onto consumers, meaning shoppers can expect to pay noticeably higher prices for fresh produce and other imported goods. This could make hosting or attending a Super Bowl party more expensive than in previous years.
Broader Context
The timing of these tariffs could not be worse for football fans. The Super Bowl is one of the peak periods for avocado consumption in the U.S., with 250 million pounds of avocados imported from Mexico in the weeks leading up to the game. The trade disruption, combined with existing inflationary pressures, means that this year’s Super Bowl snacks could be among the most expensive in history.
So, if you’re planning to enjoy a bowl of guacamole this Super Bowl Sunday, be prepared to feel the pinch at the checkout counter!