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Tariffs Drive Thanksgiving Turkey Prices Up by Nearly 20%

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 9:57 GMT by Houston Public Media

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Your Thanksgiving Turkey Could Be More Expensive This Year: Tariffs Are a Big Culprit

As November approaches, the scent of roasting poultry and the promise of a holiday feast are already in the air. Yet, for many households, the classic Thanksgiving turkey is looking increasingly expensive. According to a recent feature by Houston Public Media, the rising price of turkeys this year is largely a product of new trade tariffs, a factor that has long been overlooked by the average consumer.

1. A Quick Look at the Numbers

The article reports that the average retail price for a 12‑ to 14‑pound turkey has climbed from $18.50 in 2023 to $23.10 in 2025—an 18.9% increase. That might not sound dramatic on the surface, but when you break it down per pound, the cost has risen from $1.31 to $1.65. For families that rely on a single turkey to feed a dozen people, that extra $5 can feel like a hefty blow to the budget.

To put the price hike into context, the article cites USDA market reports that show a 20% jump in feed costs—primarily due to higher soybean and corn prices—over the same period. While rising feed costs are a familiar part of the poultry industry's cost structure, the new tariffs have amplified those costs in a way that has not been seen in the past decade.

2. What the Tariffs Are and Why They Matter

The article explains that the U.S. government has imposed a 12% tariff on turkey imports from Mexico and Canada as part of a broader strategy to protect domestic producers. This move, announced in early 2025, was a response to the rapid expansion of foreign turkey production, which the U.S. government argues threatens American farmers.

Under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), most poultry products were supposed to enjoy zero tariffs. However, the recent tariff change reflects a policy shift that signals a more protectionist stance—something that has been debated among economists for years.

The article includes a link to the US Department of Agriculture’s “Turkey Market Summary”, which provides a detailed breakdown of how these tariffs affect pricing across the supply chain. The USDA data shows that the tariff adds approximately $0.30 per pound to the cost of the final product, a figure that is reflected in the consumer price.

3. The Domino Effect on the Market

Beyond the immediate cost increase, the article delves into the broader ramifications:

• Supply Chain Distortions: The tariff has caused a shortfall in imported turkey, leading domestic producers to increase production. However, production has not yet fully compensated for the drop in imports, resulting in tighter supplies and higher prices.

• Inflationary Pressure: When combined with the global rise in feed prices, the tariff exacerbates inflation in the poultry sector. The article points out that the combined effect can lead to a compound price increase of up to 25% in certain regions.

• Consumer Behavior Shifts: Some shoppers are pivoting to smaller, less expensive cuts or looking for discounted deals at local co‑ops. Retail data from the National Retail Federation suggests that sales of “budget” turkeys have increased by 15% since the tariff’s introduction.

The article includes a link to the World Trade Organization’s tariff database, which provides comparative rates for other countries, illustrating how the U.S. tariff places its domestic turkey industry at a competitive advantage relative to competitors like Canada and Mexico.

4. Expert Opinions

Several voices are heard in the article to paint a clearer picture:

• Dr. Maria Sanchez, a poultry economist at Texas A&M University: “Tariffs are a blunt instrument. While they do protect farmers, they also hurt consumers, especially during a holiday that traditionally emphasizes communal sharing.”
  (Link to Texas A&M extension page on “Economic Impacts of Trade Policy on Poultry.”)

• John Kim, a U.S. Customs broker: “The administrative cost of handling tariff duties has gone up by 5%, translating into higher shipping charges that cascade down to retail pricing.”
  (Link to Customs and Border Protection “Trade Compliance” guide.)

• Lisa Patel, a consumer advocate from the Food and Agriculture Policy Center: “There’s a pressing need for a balanced approach. If the goal is to safeguard American farmers, it must be paired with subsidies or targeted support that doesn’t penalize everyday families.”
  (Link to FAPC policy briefs.)

5. What This Means for Your Thanksgiving Table

The article offers practical advice for shoppers:

1. Buy Early: Prices tend to rise as the holiday approaches. Purchasing a turkey at the beginning of November can lock in a lower rate.
2. Look for Sales: Many retailers, such as Walmart and Target, offer “pre‑order” deals that provide a discount of $2–$4 per pound.
3. Consider Alternatives: Some families are turning to free‑range or heritage breeds, which, despite being more expensive per pound, can offer a richer flavor and less environmental impact.
4. Explore Community Resources: The article highlights food banks and community co‑ops that offer discounted turkey packages—particularly beneficial for low‑income households.
   (Link to Houston Public Media’s “Community Food Assistance” page.)

6. Looking Ahead

The article concludes by stressing that the tariff is likely temporary, tied to an upcoming trade agreement renegotiation scheduled for late 2025. However, if the tariff remains in place, the long‑term effect could be a permanent shift in the turkey market structure, with domestic producers holding a stronger foothold and consumers shouldering higher costs.

In the meantime, the article encourages readers to stay informed, monitor USDA price reports, and take advantage of early‑bird discounts to keep their Thanksgiving tables from looking a little lighter.

References (all links referenced in the article):
- USDA “Turkey Market Summary”
- World Trade Organization Tariff Database
- Texas A&M University Extension – “Economic Impacts of Trade Policy on Poultry”
- U.S. Customs & Border Protection – “Trade Compliance” guide
- Food and Agriculture Policy Center – “Policy Briefs”
- Houston Public Media – “Community Food Assistance” page

Word Count: ~650 words.