Donald Trump’s trade tariffs are a threat to global food security

The US currently imports around 16 per cent of its food supply, with a large proportion of its fruit and vegetables coming from countries now hit by tariffs.

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Mexico stands out. It supplies over half the fresh fruit and nearly 70 per cent of the fresh vegetables consumed in the US.

And even when it comes to home grown produce, the US still depends on imported fertiliser for its crops, with Canada providing up to 85 per cent of its neighbour’s supply.

So grocery bills for American families, especially for fresh produce will get higher. But there will also be a noticeable effect on food prices outside the US.

The consequences could be particularly serious for developing economies that rely on stable international prices to secure affordable food imports.

Research I conducted with a colleague found that when international prices are disturbed, local food prices, especially in developing countries, go up.