Trump Tariff Sparks Burger Price Surge in the U.S.
Light House Denver – Burger price in the U.S. could soar as former President Donald Trump plans a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1, 2025. The new tariff includes lean beef, a key ingredient in the American burger industry, sparking concern among food producers and importers.
As domestic cattle supplies dwindle due to prolonged droughts, U.S. food producers have increasingly relied on imports to meet demand. However, the new tariff could disrupt this balance and drive beef prices even higher.
Bob Chudy, a consultant to U.S. beef importers, warned that imports from Brazil could completely halt. “If not reversed, Brazilian beef will stop flowing to the U.S.,” he told Reuters.
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Data from the U.S. government shows that beef imports from Brazil more than doubled in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 175,063 metric tons, 21% of total U.S. imports.
Beef prices in the U.S. have already hit record highs this year. Ranchers have cut national cattle herds to their lowest levels in over 70 years. As a result, production is expected to decline by 2%. Feeding livestock has become increasingly expensive amid severe droughts that have dried up grazing lands.
To keep up with demand, U.S. companies import lean beef from Brazil and other countries to blend with domestic supply for burger meat. Analysts estimate that the new 50% tariff will raise the effective duty to 76%. This sharp increase could significantly drive up burger prices. As a result, companies may be forced to pay more or seek alternative suppliers from countries like Australia, Argentina, Paraguay, or Uruguay.
“Trade has essentially frozen,” Chudy added. “We don’t know what to do as an import community.”
Higher beef prices could hit consumers hard, especially as Congress recently cut food assistance for vulnerable populations. “These tariffs will likely raise prices on a basic staple after safety nets have been reduced,” said Thomas Gremillion of the Consumer Federation of America.
Restaurants are also sounding the alarm. “Steep tariffs could impact menu planning and food costs as restaurants scramble for new suppliers,” said Sean Kennedy, executive VP of the National Restaurant Association.
Beyond beef, traders say the tariffs could also affect prices of everyday essentials like coffee and orange juice.
The White House argues that tariffs protect U.S. workers and farmers. But the burger industry and consumers may end up footing the bill for a much pricier bite.
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