According to the latest data, the prices of various fruits and vegetables in the US have risen significantly compared to the same period last year, with avocado prices skyrocketing by 75%. Experts warn that as the US-China trade war continues, the cost of fresh produce is expected to climb further, adding pressure to household budgets.
Fox News reported that data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) comparing retail prices of 68 fruits and vegetables from January last year to January this year revealed an average price increase of 2.5% for conventional produce and 2.4% for organic produce. Among conventional items, avocados experienced the most significant jump, soaring 75.4%. Kale followed with a 42.9% increase, while a pound of mixed salad rose by 36.5% and bananas by 35.4%.
The study also found that price changes varied depending on the quantity purchased. For example, the price of a three-pound bag of organic Gala apples rose by 50.5%, while the price of a two-pound bag dropped by 15.7%. On a per-pound basis, the price increase was reduced to 10.2%. Similarly, a four-pound bag of organic navel oranges saw a 48.2% price increase, but the per-pound price rose by 24.7%.
LendingTree, the market research firm behind the analysis, noted that buying in bulk generally helps save money, although the savings depend on the specific product.
LendingTree Chief Analyst Matt Schulz warned that inflation, which makes everything more expensive, is squeezing household budgets. With the US-China trade war persisting, the prices of daily essentials such as fruits and vegetables are expected to rise even further.
While the Trump administration views tariff policies as a means to protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition and generate federal revenue, the majority of goods consumed by Americans depend on global supply chains. Disruptions to these supply chains could significantly increase living costs.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
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