KANSAS CITY  — Much has happened since President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2, when he unveiled a new universal tariff of 10% on all goods imported to the United States, as well as “retaliatory tariffs” targeting more than 50 countries, with individual rates from 10% up to 49%. The administration later imposed a minimum 145% tariff on Chinese exports. Since then, President Trump issued a 90-day pause on the retaliatory tariffs and has negotiated with Chinese officials to bring tariffs on most imports from that country down to 55%. But with recent escalations in the Middle East and tensions over domestic immigration policies developing at home, it seems like tariff concerns have been pushed to the back burner for many US consumers. But as the 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs winds down, expiring July 8, and as geopolitical tensions sharpen and interfere with trade negotiations, tariff concerns may once again occupy the forefront of US commerce interests. Meanwhile, here is a recap of trending market updates across several commodities that may impact your food business.

In this series, the Sosland Publishing Co.’s Market Insights column will focus on five ingredients that may directly affect startups amid the tariff uncertainty.

Eggs: The egg and egg product markets have calmed from record highs set a few months ago mainly because of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). With no recent HPAI outbreaks in commercial laying flocks since early June, and typical reduced summer demand for eggs, prices were well off their highs but still elevated from a year ago as poultry products work to repopulate flocks. Summer demand from salad dressing manufacturers has supported egg yolk prices.

Coffee: Coffee bean futures prices have tumbled from record highs set earlier in 2025 as new-crop harvest in Brazil and Vietnam and mostly favorable weather have relieved some supply stress, although 2025-26 supplies still are expected to be down from 2024-25. New York arabica coffee bean futures were at six-month lows and London robusta futures were at 13-month lows in late June. The harvest in Brazil was 35% complete by June 11 (robusta at 49% and arabica at 26%), about average for the date.  

Cocoa: Cocoa bean futures prices in New York and London have fluctuated with weather changes and production forecasts in the top-producing region of West Africa, but both markets in general have trended downward, falling to two-month lows in late June (though still well above year-ago levels). Deliveries from farmers of cocoa beans to Ivory Coast ports remain above year-ago levels, but many have been rejected for export for size and quality issues. Analysts remain mixed on the outlook for 2025-26 supplies, while consumers deal with higher chocolate prices after record-high futures values a few months ago.

Dairy: Dry dairy product prices maintained a steady to firmer stance heading into July, led by 34% whey protein concentrate values that were double year-ago levels due to light production and steady to good demand. Fluid milk production had peaked for the season and was trending lower during the hot summer months. At the same time, milk demand was seasonally down because of school closings for the summer, boosting supplies available for drying and making cheese. But adequate domestic demand for dry products and areas of strong export demand have supported prices. CME Group cheddar cheese and butter values, meanwhile, were well below year-ago levels.

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