Organic food prices may soar as US tariffs hit imports of speciality organic sugar

Organic food prices could spike this fall as US tariffs and import caps raise organic sugar costs. Manufacturers warn higher expenses may force price hikes, production cuts, or small business closures.

The price of most organic food could jump this fall because of new policies and tariffs on imported organic sugar, frustrating manufacturers who say the actions won’t help sugar growers but could put some food companies out of business.

More than 90 percent of organic sugar used by US manufacturers is imported. The price of that product increased in August when the Trump administration imposed steep trade tariffs, and will rise even more when high-tier duties on most organic sugar imports take effect Oct. 1.