Groceries on Credit: Another toll of War (and Tariffs)

More Americans are buying groceries on credit without paying off their card.

When people are buying groceries on credit, carrying unpaid balances indefinitely* — that’s a big problem. The reasons go beyond tariffs and the war with Iran — though they are a large and unnecessary factor. Drought and low herd numbers (the lowest in decades) are causing beef prices to soar. Feed costs are blamed for high cheese and butter costs. High coffee prices are directly related to 40%-50% tariffs on Brazilian imports - 1/3 of the US coffee supply. And of course, the war in Iran has directly caused higher gasoline prices. This has created a rise in credit card purchases for basic needs.

How have you been affected by the war and the tariffs?

*source: Urban Institute Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey