Six things that could get more expensive for Americans under Trump tariffs

US President Donald Trump has sparked a trade war by declaring he will impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
Canada has vowed to retaliate, while Mexico has also pledged to hit back, although US tariffs on the country have been paused for a month.
The three nations have deeply integrated economies, with an estimated $2 billion (£1.6 billion) worth of manufactured goods crossing their borders daily.
Trump says the tariffs aim to protect American industries, but many economists warn that the taxes—set to take effect on Canadian imports on Tuesday—could lead to higher prices for US consumers.
Tariffs are paid by the domestic company importing the goods, which may pass the cost on to customers or reduce imports, leading to fewer available products.
So, what could get more expensive if Trump’s tariff threats materialize?
Cars
Car prices could rise by about $3,000, according to TD Economics.
Car parts cross US, Canadian, and Mexican borders multiple times before final assembly, meaning increased import taxes on components could push up costs for consumers.
“Disrupting these trends through tariffs… would come with significant costs,” said Andrew Foran, an economist at TD Economics.
He added that “uninterrupted free trade” in the car-making sector had existed for decades, leading to lower prices for consumers.
Beer, Tennessee Whiskey, and Tequila
Popular Mexican beers like Modelo and Corona could become more expensive if importers pass on higher import taxes. However, companies might also choose to import less instead.
Modelo became the number one beer brand in the US in 2023 and remains in the top spot.
Spirits such as Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, tequila, and Canadian whisky could also see price hikes. Industry bodies from the US, Canada, and Mexico expressed “deep concern,” noting that these products can only be produced in their designated countries.
Since production cannot be easily relocated, supplies may shrink, driving up prices. The trade groups also pointed out that many companies own spirit brands across all three nations.
Houses
Imports of Canadian lumber will be subject to new tariffs, with Trump arguing the US has “more lumber than we ever use.”
However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has urged the president to exempt building materials, warning that tariffs on lumber could make homes more expensive and discourage new construction.
“Consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices,” the NAHB said.
Maple Syrup
The price of Canadian maple syrup—one of the most obvious household impacts of the tariffs—could rise, according to Thomas Sampson, an associate professor at the London School of Economics.
Canada’s billion-dollar maple syrup industry accounts for 75% of global production, with about 90% of it coming from Quebec.
“That maple syrup is going to become more expensive. And that’s a direct price increase that households will face,” Sampson said.
He also warned that even US-made goods using Canadian inputs could see price hikes.
Fuel Prices
Canada is the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the US, accounting for 61% of oil imports between January and November last year.
While a 25% tariff has been imposed on Canadian imports, energy faces a lower 10% tariff.
Although the US has ample oil, its refineries are designed to process “heavier” crude oil, primarily sourced from Canada and Mexico.
“Many refineries need heavier crude oil to maximize flexibility of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel production,” according to the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
If Canada retaliates by cutting crude oil exports, fuel prices at US gas stations could rise.
Avocados
Avocados, a staple of the US diet, could see significant price increases due to tariffs.
Mexico, which provides nearly 90% of avocados consumed in the US, could face new trade barriers, potentially leading to a price surge.
The US Agriculture Department has warned that avocado prices—and dishes like guacamole—could skyrocket, particularly around events like Super Bowl Sunday on February 9.
Credit: BBC