Tariffs could drive up grocery prices

[00:00:00]Thank you. We move next here tonight to those new tariffs announced on most Canadian goods. Products including clothing, dairy, and wine could all see an additional 50% tariff.

[00:00:09]>> And this is coming at a time when many of you are telling us you're struggling to make ends meet and feeling the pressure as prices go up.

[00:00:16]>> Even though Aldi's when I like the cheaper grocery stores, I just bought a few things and I spent $40 on a little bag worth of stuff.

[00:00:24]>> I'm only just becoming an adult, so it's like how am I going to like buy my first house and like, you know, buy groceries for my family?

[00:00:32]>> Tampa Bay 28 reporter Annette Gutierrez covers Wesley Chapel and the surrounding areas, and for months she's been listening to families about how the rising cost of living is forcing them to make really tough decisions.

[00:00:42]>> And tonight Annette is getting answers about how these tariffs will impact your wallet.

[00:00:47]>> I came out to Lutz to listen to some residents about what their thoughts are on the state of the economy, especially now that there may be some new tariffs on Canadian goods like dairy, alcohol, and auto parts. Many families are already feeling the pinch from higher prices, and locals tell me they worry these tariffs could make their wallets feel even lighter.

[00:01:08]>> It's unfortunate that things just keep going up, you know, prices already expensive, living's already hard enough, and then with that with an increase like that, it just makes things so much harder on everybody.

[00:01:19]>> That's why she and many others say they shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi.

[00:01:24]>> That's why we've always shopped at Aldi cuz it's cheaper here and it's hard to find places that won't overcharge you, but I mean even Aldi is getting expensive, so.

[00:01:33]>> On Monday, President Trump announced the US is imposing a new 50% tariff on goods imported from Canada. The administration says Canada unfairly discriminated against US products like alcohol, dairy, and automobiles. Abby Hall, a Tampa economics professor, says the administration references the Tariff Act of 1930.

[00:01:54]>> They're using a kind of unknown or an unused provision, Hall says this allows the government to impose tariffs on a country accused of discriminating against US commerce. She says because the law has rarely been used, the move could face legal challenges.

[00:02:11]>> This is very likely to be litigated and litigated intensively. Whether or not it will hold up ultimately in court is an open question.

[00:02:20]>> The tariffs would apply to products like wine, beer, dairy products, and auto parts along with furniture, clothing, sporting goods, and construction materials. It excludes products like oil, natural gas, fish, and critical minerals. Hall says consumers could see higher prices on some Canadian goods.

[00:02:38]>> Tariffs are taxes, and taxes raise the prices of goods and services that consumers buy.

[00:02:45]>> What are your thoughts on the fact that alcohol could go up?

[00:02:48]>> [laughter] >> I mean, that's unfortunate, too, you know, alcohol going up.

[00:02:53]>> For Jordan Flores, who turns 21 next year, even small price increases are something she's thinking about.

[00:03:00]>> Dude, next year I'm going to be 21. What am I going to do? What am I going to do?

[00:03:04]>> If negotiations don't change the plan, we could start to feel the impacts.

[00:03:08]>> Now, these tariffs could take effect in the next 30 days, which means on August 19th, you may see those prices go up.

[00:03:16]In Lutz, Annette Gutierrez, Tampa Bay, 28.

[00:03:20]>> Annette covers Wesley Chapel and the surrounding area, and as the cost of everything goes up, she has been committed to listening to how that impacts you. If you have a story you want Annette to look into, just scan the QR code on your screen to get in touch with her.

[00:03:32]>> Meanwhile, gas