Tariffs trickle down to Iowa consumers

The tariffs have created higher input costs for corn and soybean farmers, but on a smaller scale, higher levies on imported goods have increased the cost of certain essential items.

Matt Chapman, a consumer who’s connected with Progress Iowa, said he has to rely on a credit card to pay for his medical issues, when he hasn’t had to in the past.

“I think it’s really painful for the folks on the margins,” said Chapman. “And I know that our local food pantry, and I go there, even before the SNAP boondoggle came down, they were just getting more and more people coming in. From five years ago to what it is now, it has to have at least doubled.”

The Tax Foundation says more than 70% of U.S. imports are subject to tariffs, which will continue to drive up grocery prices and manufactured goods.

Chapman said as tariffs put Iowa farmers in a bind, he’s paying more for fruit, vegetables, and beef.

“Prices just keep going up,” said Chapman. “I haven’t had red meat in a couple months.”

Tariffs have also been changing from one day to the next, and while some have recently been reduced, prices on in-store inventory take time to change.