Prices of menu items at fast-food giants could rise thanks to new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Trump described the move as a ‘declaration of economic independence’ aiming to increase wealth in the US.
He has announced a 10 percent universal tariff on all imports and specific additional tariffs for 60 countries, as well as earlier levies imposed on China, Mexico, Canada.
The policies hit several international markets that restaurant chains rely on for ingredients.
This means that an increase in menu prices could potentially be unavoidable.
The new tariffs come after Australia’s trade minister, Don Farrell, revealed that new tax levies could impact the cost of McDonald’s Big Macs.
But McDonald’s is not the only restaurant chain impacted by ‘Liberation Day.’
Here are the popular fast-food empires whose prices will be impacted the most by tariffs.
McDonald’s will potentially raise its menu prices following new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump earlier this month
McDonald’s
Following Farrell’s statements, Australia and other countries that are McDonald’s beef sources received a 10 percent tariff.
The US also counts on receiving its beef ingredients from countries like Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
McDonald’s has already been under fire for the last few years for increasing menu prices in response to rising inflation.
Some changes include a 21 percent price increase in Big Macs and a 27 percent rise in Big Mac meal costs compared to average prices in 2019.
Some ingredients from Subway are imported from Canada and Mexico, which were hit with 25 percent tariffs
Subway
Some of Subway’s goods, such as bell peppers, are from Canada.
Under Trump’s plans, nearly all products imported from the country will be slapped with a 25 percent tariff.
Canada has also retaliated by imposing tariffs against multiple US products.
The popular sandwich chain also receives products from Mexico and Guatemala, which were hit with 25 percent and 10 percent tariffs, respectively.
Already struggling with sales declines, Subway could potentially be hit hard if the trade war with Canada and Mexico continues to escalate.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s beef sources are from the US, but its palm oil is shipped both domestically and internationally.
Indonesia is one of the largest producers of its ingredients, which is currently facing a 32 percent tariff.
‘Globally, Wendy’s is not a large user of palm oil, but we recognize the importance of the issue and are committed to using responsible and sustainable sources for the palm oil we do use,’ the company said.
Besides palm oil, Wendy’s ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes come from sources in Canada and Mexico.
Tim Hortons sources its coffee from Columbia, which was one of the first countries to be hit with a 10 percent tariff
Tim Hortons
Despite revenue increases, Tim Hortons could face trouble when it comes to some caffeinated beverages.
The Canadian-based chain sources its coffee from places like Colombia and Guatemala.
Like Australia, Columbia was one of the first countries to receive a 10 percent tariff.
Tim Hortons is also known for supporting Canadian egg farmers, who are a major source for the eggs used in its breakfast sandwiches and wraps.
Other select ingredients used in popular baked goods like donuts come from a factory in Ontario.
Burger King
Not only is Burger King one of McDonald’s biggest competitors, but it also sources some of its burger beef from Australia.
The restaurant chain received nearly 400,000 tonnes of beef from Australia last year.
Unfortunately, the new 10 percent tariff will potentially affect burger prices and is expected to disrupt exports.
Some of the company’s beef also comes from New Zealand, which now has a 10 percent tariff on all goods sent to the US.
Chipotle receives a small percentage of its ingredients from China, which was hit with a high tariff
Chipotle
Beef from Chipotle comes from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Uruguay.
Uruguay was one of the many countries to be hit with a 10 percent tariff on its goods.
The restaurant chain sources its products from regional and local suppliers nationwide in states like Florida, California, and Arizona.
However, Chipotle counts on Mexico to send over foods like tomatoes and peppers, and it also gets a small percentage of ingredients from China.
China was originally hit with high levies, and after retaliating with a 34 percent import fee on American products, Trump has added a 50 percent tariff on all Chinese imports.
This means that a huge 104 percent tariff on China is due to come into effect at midnight on Wednesday.
Dunkin’
Loyal Dunkin’ customers could potentially see an increase in the price of the chain’s coffees in the near future.
Dunkin’ sources its coffees from tariff victims like Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador.
The quick service chain does also source many ingredients from the US, however, including the fruits used in all its baked goods.
