New Tariffs in 2025? If So, Expect to Pay More for Stuff in WA

The other day I went to the grocery store, bought 7 things, and it was $50 dollars! Ouch, I am seriously feeling the pain of the rising cost of food along with you, too, I would imagine.

I saw on the news the other day that the incoming presidential administration is planning on jacking up the tariff rate and it made me wonder, “Does this mean we’re gonna have to pay more for stuff?”

Yes. 

*Deep, heavy sigh*

THE GOOD NEWS

There is currently no tariff on imported goods from Mexico and Canada because of the current trade agreement (known as the CUSMA). (Source: AP News)

We have a lot of imports from Mexico, like avocados, tomatoes, and various manufactured goods.

If in 2026, the incoming Trump administration agrees to stick with the current trade agreement (the CUSMA), then the US/Canada/Mexico tariff-free program will stay in place until 2036. (Source: CBC News)

THE ALARMING NEWS

If the promised new tariffs are placed on imported goods coming to America, then inflation will most certainly go up --and that includes everything from our grocery bills down to nearly every item purchased and consumed by our local retailers, services, and manufacturing products.

One leader in Canada is already calling for the US to cancel the tariff-free trade agreement with Mexico and just keep it between America and Canada only.

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Why are so many asking for this trade agreement change to kick Mexico out of the loop? Because a bunch of domestic and global companies have gotten hip to the script that they can just outsource production to Mexico so they can pay for cheaper labor to make their products.

We’ve seen that happen here in America where factories close (sometimes abruptly) and thousands of American workers end up losing their jobs.

It all comes down to the business of making profits in the end, unfortunately, the profits come from the wallets of you and me!

What percentage of USA imports are from other countries?

The most current figures I found were from a Census report that showed America has an import rate of 78%.

The data listed the top five countries we got imports from: China, Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Japan (a combined 53.7%). That was just in 2021.

THREE COMPANIES ARE ALREADY VOWING TO HIKE PRICES IF THERE ARE NEW TARIFFS COMING

Do you shop at Autozone, Stanley Black & Decker, or Columbia Sportswear? They have announced to pass on any spikes in tariffs on to customers.

Even for us residents living in Washington State, that means prices will go up on car parts, skis, jackets, coats, camping supplies, sports clothes and other outdoor clothing, new cars, home appliances, solar panels, power tools, and other household hardware items–and their accessories. (Source: Business Insider)

Yikes!

We already live in a state with the second highest cost of living in American, and if tariffs are placed on things we import from Mexico, I worry that will make the prices of our groceries (and everything else) will go up even more. I mean, they’re already out of control! (Source: USA Today)

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Thank goodness we have local farmers with produce that we don’t have to worry about import taxes, but most of these foods below are ones we have to import to America.