Category: Analysis

Tariffs are back in the news, and they were in place for a three-day stretch in early March, which has thrown importers for a loop. And FDA has postponed the food traceability rule by 2½ years. 

Tariffs on fresh produce will lead to higher prices and shortages of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, as the costs will ultimately be passed on to U.S. consumers.

Spring transition looms over produce prices. The ProduceIQ index is up +6 percent over the previous week, in line with historical pricing trends for week #11.

The Southeast Produce Council 2025 Southern Exposure Conference’s theme was “Produce Means Family,” and this meeting was unlike any other with its family feel, pre-meal prayers, and speakers talking about how family and faith helped them succeed in business and in life.  

Subscribers of the Wall Street Journal over the weekend got to read about a familiar item with a fascinating history that would certainly feel the sting of tariffs: the avocado.

This week, the ProduceIQ Index continues its downward trend, falling -2.7 percent from the previous week. This decline persists despite mounting pest pressure in Western growing regions, unpredictable tariff policies, and persistently high Hass avocado prices.

Another week of tariff drama ends in another delay for USMCA partners. We also saw some unexpected drama in the retail world with a shocking departure from Kroger. 

As of this morning, 25 percent tariffs remain in place for fresh produce coming from Canada and Mexico, the United States’ largest trading partners for our products.

Record high volume of high-value import commodities, such as table grapes, are pushing the ProduceIQ Index lower than last year’s record high prices. However, overall, prices are still well above average for week #9 compared to the historical average.

The Trump tariffs on Mexico and Canada are scheduled to be back on for now, but that could change any day.