En esta noticia
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the United States announced on Tuesday, May 12, how much inflation was for the month of April. After the acceleration seen in March, with a variation of 0.9%, the fourth month was lower by comparison.
The food sector ranks among the top three with the largest increases, with prices undoubtedly boosted as a result of the high gasoline prices since the conflict with Iran worsened and the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.
Given this situation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new measures for this sector that would allow a reduction in mass-market meat prices.
April 2026 inflation: how much it was and how it impacted food
April recorded overall inflation of 0.6%, bringing the year-over-year change to 3.8%, the highest since May 2023 according to analytical media outlets such as Trading Economics, which compare it with March’s 3.3%.
As for food, the sector recorded a 0.5% increase in April after remaining unchanged in March. The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose 1.3%, driven mainly by beef, which increased 2.7% in April.
Regarding other products in the basket:
- Fruits and vegetables: increased 1.8% month over month and accumulated a year-over-year change of 6.1%
- Dairy and related products: increased 0.8%, a negative year-over-year change of 0.6% due to its decline
- Cereals and bakery products: increased 0.1% in April, accumulating 2.6% year over year
- Non-alcoholic beverages: increased 1.1% in April and accumulate a variation of 5.1% over the last 12 months
Food away from home saw a 0.2% increase in April with a 3.6% change over the last 12 months.
The United States will reduce meat prices with a new strategy to curb inflation
According to White House sources, the Donald Trump administration plans to curb record prices at supermarkets and restaurants in the United States and, for that purpose, is evaluating the temporary suspension of taxes on foreign meat imports.
In a context where the domestic cattle herd is at historic lows due to droughts and the rising cost of feed that producers face, beef imports could reach record levels with purchases from countries such as Brazil, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.
The price of meat has become one of the main concerns for Americans, reaching historic prices and worrying increases. With this measure, the government expects prices to fall for consumers or at least remain stable.
However, many producers warn that it could harm domestic livestock farming by forcing them to compete against strong international competition.