Constantly changing tariffs on countries including Mexico have left a lot of plans up in the air. Where are prices going to go? What plans are going to change?
That party you’re planning to throw — is it going to suck?
Some of your favorite items in your fridge, your pantry, your liquor cabinet, and your garage could be more affordable than you’d expect. All you have to do is take a trip down to Mexico. Here are three favorites that are totally tariff free — if you’re in Mexico.
Note: This isn’t a comprehensive, constantly updated accounting of U.S. tariff policy. It’s a blog post about cheese. Look to more official sources for reliable information.
Tequila
Tequila can literally only be found in Mexico — real, legitimate tequila has to have been produced in or around the town of Tequila. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion’s worth of tequila. But under tariffs, if you want the good stuff for a reasonable price, you’re going to find it south of the border. (Mezcal, too.)
Guacamole
Even if you prefer fresh guacamole you make yourself, tariffs will likely push the price up. Almost all of the U.S.’s avocados — 90% — come from Mexico. Around 70% of our tomatoes are Mexican imports. And if you prefer spicy guac, you’ll be paying extra for Serrano peppers, which are native to Puebla.
(And don’t count on queso dip or quesadillas, either. That queso Oaxaca? Guess where it comes from.)
Cars
These days, the idea of a “foreign car company” has lost punch — pretty much everything is sold pretty much everywhere at this point, meaning the source of your “import” might not be what you’d expect. If you’re looking for a 2025 Audi Q5 or SQ5, that’s going to come from San Jose Chiapa. Your BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, or M2 will travel in from San Luis Potosí. And if you hope to avoid tariffs entirely by buying American, that 2025 Chevy Blazer is made in Ramos Arizpe (and the Silverado 1500 is made in Silao, if you’re a truck person).
We don’t know what will happen in the coming weeks and months, but we do know one thing: If you want to drive your Chevy Blazer to a party with guac, good queso, and real tequila (drink responsibly), Mexico is the place to be.
