Food Prices Surge 15–35% in New York, Bangladeshi Grocers Struggle to Cope
The cost of essential food items in New York has jumped by 15–35%, leaving low-income families struggling and Bangladeshi grocery owners worried about further hikes as new tariffs take effect.
Prices of rice, lentils, sugar, fish, meat and cooking oil have all risen sharply in recent weeks. The US has imposed significant tariffs on imports from countries including India, Bangladesh and China, making many household staples more expensive. Retailers fear prices could rise by up to 50% from October, once the tariffs are fully implemented.
Rumi Bhuiyan, owner of the popular Bangladeshi supermarket “Machbazar” on 35th Avenue, said meat prices were already high and fish prices were climbing rapidly. “Suppliers have told us the wholesale price of Rui fish will increase to $2.15 per pound next week. That means we’ll have to sell it above $3 a pound. People are shocked when they come to shop, and we feel bad because there’s nothing we can do,” he said.
Staples like basmati rice, lentils and other dry goods from South Asia have also seen price hikes. Bangladeshi business leaders warn that higher costs are forcing many customers to cut back on purchases, with business dropping nearly by half in some stores.
Kamruzzaman Kamrul, a senior figure in the Bangladeshi business community in New York, said Indian and Pakistani products were increasingly replacing Bangladeshi ones in the market. “Bangladeshi cumin costs $9–10 for 500 grams, while Indian cumin is half the price. At this rate, we cannot compete,” he said, adding that many Bangladeshi products also face stricter FDA inspections, making exports more difficult.
Shipping costs have surged as well, with freight charges up by $5,000 per container, further driving up retail prices. Importers warn that if tariffs remain in place, not only will Bangladeshi food imports decline, but garments and other export sectors could also suffer.
Bangladeshi grocers say the impact is being felt most severely by low-income families, who are struggling to afford daily essentials. “It’s becoming unbearable,” said one store owner. “We don’t know how long people can cope with this.”
