Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial new round of tariffs targeting the taco industry, announcing Wednesday that the United States will impose a 50% tariff on carnitas (pork) tacos and a 70% tariff on carne asada (beef) tacos. Chicken tacos, however, will remain exempt from any new duties.
The announcement, made during a White House press conference, is the latest in a series of aggressive trade measures by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping America’s import landscape. The president framed the move as a negotiation tactic to strengthen the U.S. position in ongoing trade talks, echoing his previous strategies with the European Union and China.
The new tariffs are expected to have an immediate impact on the restaurant industry and food suppliers, many of whom rely on imported pork and beef. Restaurant owners warn that the increased costs will likely be passed on to consumers, leading to higher menu prices for popular taco varieties. The Louisiana Restaurant Association has already cautioned that such tariffs could force operators to adjust portion sizes, revise recipes, or substitute ingredients to manage rising costs.
Retailers and economists also anticipate that the tariffs will contribute to broader food price inflation, with some analysts warning of potential supply chain disruptions and long-term pricing volatility.
Notably, chicken tacos will remain unaffected by the new tariffs. While the administration did not provide a detailed explanation for this exemption, some observers speculate it may be a nod to domestic poultry producers or a strategic move to avoid further backlash from the restaurant industry and consumers.
The tariffs on pork and beef tacos are set to take effect in the coming weeks, although some market watchers remain skeptical about whether the administration will follow through or ultimately scale back the measures as negotiations progress.
For now, taco lovers and restaurant owners alike are bracing for higher prices and continued uncertainty as the White House pursues its high-stakes trade agenda.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
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