Despite Trump’s promises … prices rise at a faster pace in America

Although US President Donald Trump has pledged to reduce groceries, economists and companies believe that his administration policies contribute to the acceleration of high prices.

Food prices were recorded last month the fastest increase in three years, driven by the imposed customs duties, and tightening immigration campaigns, in addition to the harsh climatic phenomena that affected agricultural production. According to the American Labor Statistics Office, the prices increased by 0.6% in August compared to the previous month, and by 2.7% compared to last year. Weekly shopping bills are a major factor in their assessment of the economic situation, especially for low -income families. David Ortega, professor of food economics at Michigan State University, indicated that the greatest effect appears on foods that depend on migratory workers in their production, such as fruits and vegetables, or imported from abroad such as coffee and banana, which is subject to high customs duties. The Yale University Budget indicates that the continuation of customs duties at the current level will lead to a rise in food rates by 3.4% in the short term and 2.5% in the long term, while the average actual fees in the United States reached the highest level since 1935. Coffee prices increased last month by 3.6%, which is the largest monthly increase since 2011, while the prices of apples and lettuce increased 3.5%, banana 2.1%, and tomatoes 4.5% after imposition 17% fees on Mexican imports. Experts added that the scarcity of migratory workers on farms led to the loss of about 155,000 workers between March and July, which left crops without harvesting and increased pressure on food prices. Climate phenomena, such as hurricanes in Florida and drought in Brazil, contributed to the increase in orange prices by 0.9% per month and 5.2% annually, and to cow meat by 2.7% Monthly and 13.9% annually. Ron Sargent, CEO of Kruger, said: “Families with low and medium income are forced to buy smaller quantities and frequently, and resort to cheaper products, while high -income families are still able to buy distinctive products. Their monthly allocations, which increases the pressure on the poverty families.