New US tariffs on Chinese imports, especially soy sauce, are increasing costs at specialty stores, increasing fear that smaller importers could face pressure to challenge their ability to maintain safety standards.
Changes in surprise policies have resulted in uncertainty in the trade landscape.
On April 9, 2025, the Trump administration suspended sudden “mutual” tariffs in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines for 90 days, leaving a baseline 10% tariff on most imports from these countries. However, tariffs on Chinese products, including popular soy sauce brands, have skyrocketed to 125%, increasing cost pressure. The administration says tariffs are dealing with a trade deficit of more than $1 trillion a year, but the suspension signales potential negotiations and makes the future unclear. China’s retaliatory tariffs are currently 84% of US goods such as soybeans, making the global supply chain of soy-based products even more tense.
Tariff hikes, especially in China, create fear of rising prices for culturally important foods that migrant communities and ethnic cuisine fans rely on. The 90-day suspension provides temporary relief for some imports, but economists warn that the costs of staples, such as rice, fish and sauce, could climb even if tariffs continue to reopen or disrupt in supply.
Increased costs, sustained risks
The Food and Drug Administration and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have long been noted for the gap in import surveillance, but tariff pressures can exacerbate risks in niche markets. With China facing 125% tariffs and others facing a 10% baseline, smaller importers could struggle if they could afford a robust safety check, especially for fermented sauces like soy sauce and gochujang, which require strict handling to prevent contamination.
According to a 2023 GAO report, the FDA inspects 1-2% of imports each year. 2022 research Journal of Food Protection It turns out that false fermentation imports could harbor Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that causes food poisoning. Suspending tariffs in some countries may ease immediate tensions, but China’s high tariffs and ongoing surveillance gaps continue to make safety concerns come into play.
Regulation hurdles
Regulators face challenges when closing safety gaps. The FDA’s 2023 import inspection budget does not meet the rise in trade volumes, leaving a small number of importers who lack large corporations’ safety programs, according to GAO. No culturally important food exemptions have been proposed, and the 90-day suspension does not address the long-term funding needs for better monitoring.
Consumers can reduce risk by checking labels on the country of origin and prioritizing certifications such as USDA Organic and ISO 22000, but these are not innocent.
Uncertain outlook
The path to advancement in tariffs remains vague. A 125% tariff on China and its 84% retaliation show deepening the trade war, with economists predicting the price of fermented sauces, spices and more. While a 90-day suspension in other Asian countries offers a reprieve, without clarifying extensions or negotiations, small grocery stores and their customers face ongoing tensions, balancing cultural diets with safety and affordability. As regulators and industry players look to the next move in the administration, interests to keep specialized foods accessible and safe remain high.
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