Organic food prices could soar as US imposes import restrictions and new tariffs on specialty sugar

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All different kinds of organic sugars are displayed on shelves at a grocery store in Deerfield, Ill., Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The price of most organic food could jump this fall due to new policies and tariffs on imported organic sugar, frustrating manufacturers who say the actions won't help sugar growers but could put some food companies out of business.

More than 90% of organic sugar used by U.S. manufacturers is imported. The price of that product increased in August when the Trump administration imposed steep trade tariffs , and will rise even more when high-tier duties on most organic sugar imports take effect Oct. 1.

The result, according to the Organic Trade Associat