BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The ongoing violence in Mexico is starting to impact how Americans get some of their favorite grocery items including fresh produce. <\/p>\n
For shoppers in California, where prices are already known to run high, the effects are becoming harder to ignore.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been to Kansas, Florida, Texas spent time in other states too and California? It\u2019s always the most expensive. No competition,\u201d said Bakersfield shopper Paul Dalozag.<\/p>\n
Like many customers, Dalozag says he\u2019s constantly comparing prices between stores just to stretch his budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalmart might be cheaper than Albertsons\u2026 but sometimes Albertsons beats Walmart. So yeah, I\u2019m basically on the apps playing grocery detective, trying to see who\u2019s got the better deal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
And he\u2019s not alone in doing math in the aisles.<\/p>\n
Store owner Kahlid Mansour says rising costs are creeping onto his shelves, particularly for items imported from Mexico. <\/p>\n
That means some customer favorites are now ringing up higher at checkout.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe used to sell these for 79 cents a pound before the tariff law and everything going on in Mexico right now,\u201d Mansour said, referring to popular produce items that have since increased in price.<\/p>\n
Go-to staples like squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, and guava are among the items seeing a bump.<\/p>\n
Experts say the price shifts are closely tied to supply chain disruptions. <\/p>\n
According to Dr. Aaron Hedge, the United States relies heavily on Mexican imports for fresh produce.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout 70% of our fresh tomatoes come from Mexico,\u201d Hedge explained. \u201cSo if there\u2019s disruption there, the supply chain is directly impacted, and that usually means higher prices since we rely heavily on those imports.\u201d<\/p>\n
While trade agreements generally protect fresh produce from tariffs, ongoing violence can still slow transportation and distribution. <\/p>\n
Nearly 70% of U.S. vegetables and about half of its fruit come from Mexico, meaning even temporary disruptions can quickly show up at the checkout line.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the violence doesn\u2019t continue long term, this could be temporary,\u201d Hedge added. \u201cSome stores might pass those costs on to shoppers others may try to absorb them.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the meantime, experts recommend shoppers look for ways to cut costs, such as buying frozen produce that lasts longer or substituting fresh items with canned or jarred options.<\/p>\n
In other words, if fresh is stretching your budget, the freezer aisle might be your new best friend.<\/p>\n
Until prices stabilize, shoppers like Dalozag say they\u2019ll keep scrolling, comparing, and planning before heading to the checkout.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings are expensive right now,\u201d he said. \u201cSo yeah, it\u2019d be nice if food prices decided to go down for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Experts say the best way to save is simple: manage your budget and plan before you shop.<\/p>\n
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