April 23, 2025 | A Message from the GM
I’ll just say it plainly. It is a turbulent time in our nation. It is evidentially a dangerous time of global economic transition brought on by questionable, at best, and chaotic American trade policy. To say the least…
All of us are likely to try to figure out how our lives will be impacted by government policy and economic chaos — from our jobs and incomes to our savings, our spending, and the programs, services, and institutions we depend upon. Spoiler alert: I don’t have any answers. I’m in the same boat. However, I can speak in an informed way about how tariffs will impact your Co-op and what you might expect to see here. Here are a few points to consider. According the USDA:
- About 20% of the total US food supply is imported. The largest categories being:
- 35% of produce
- 70% of seafood
Between 2011-2021, the import share of US food consumption was:
- 45% of sweeteners
- 43% of fruits and tree nuts
- 37% of sugar & confections
- 35% of vegetables & melons
- 28% of preserved fruit & vegetables
- 18% of meat products
- 28% of food grains
- 12% of bakery products
- 9% of dairy
- 5% of oil seeds
- 2% of livestock
- 1% of feed grains
To me, this suggests the direct impact of tariffs won’t be as drastic as we might fear. To be certain, we will be seeing higher prices on items we all buy frequently that don’t come from the US, like coffee, bananas, avocadoes, and mangoes, among others. But the indirect impact of the tariffs on packaging and the entire supply chain more broadly will be where we will also see increases. In other words, inflation. To think, or believe, otherwise is illogical. Our resources, through National Cooperative Grocers (NCG), have begun to provide us with timely information. This is just one more benefit that NCG brings us outside of purchasing and operational supports. Per NCG:
“…we’re now beginning to see the inflationary effects of recent U.S. trade policy. We’ve observed a growing number of significant cost increases among fresh produce over the past month, with blueberries, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers and limes topping the list. Product segments most affected by May cost increases include juices, butter, milk, eggs and chocolate.”
Our purchasing costs are projected to rise by .5% in May. This will be the largest single month increase in over two years. Saying that, please know that we are watching our costs closely. We pledge to keep you as informed, as we can. We also pledge to provide the best prices to you that we can. Here at your Co-op, we will stay focused on the things we can control and continue to care for our staff and community. We will continue to deliver service and value. And we will continue to be a source of stability and order in a shifting, chaotic, and sometimes frightening period. We’re all in this together.
Feel good. Shop the Co-op.