The National Restaurant Association in the United States has requested President Donald Trump to exempt food and beverages from the tariffs that will be imposed on Mexico and Canada in March. It is estimated that if these tariffs take effect, the food industry could face losses of around 12 billion dollars, and consumers would have to pay more at restaurants.
In a letter addressed to the president, the association warns that businesses would be forced to increase their meal prices to cope with the tariffs, considering the adjusted profit margins they have, averaging between 3 and 5 percent. This would conflict with Trump's campaign promise to control inflation in the United States.
The proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on food and beverages from Mexico and Canada has raised concerns in the restaurant industry, as food costs account for approximately 33 percent of every sales dollar. This could result in a significant decrease in profits, around 30 percent, for restaurant owners.
Despite some proposals from Trump that are supported by the association, such as the elimination of taxes on tips and the revision of trade agreements, it is argued that food and beverages do not contribute significantly to the trade deficits being addressed. The association notes that many foods cannot be produced in the United States year-round due to growing conditions.
Restaurants in the United States already face the challenge of attracting customers due to years of general price increases, which have led consumers to cut spending and prioritize other areas. Larger chains have implemented value menus with mixed results, although the pressure on low-income diners remains a concern in the industry. Jo Pawlak from the consulting firm Technomic highlights that restaurants currently have little room for maneuver in the face of a possible increase in food costs.
