Alexandria Butcher Shop Raises Prices as Tariffs Hit Imports

The Cut Butchery, a specialty meat and grocery shop in Alexandria, Virginia, has raised prices and stopped carrying some imported products because of tariff costs, owner Ben Knezic told WKRN News 2.

Knezic said some imported wines now cost 10% more, with the increase passed on to customers, and that prices have risen on cheese and other imported goods. Certain cheeses that were already expensive have been pulled from the shelves because selling them no longer works financially, he said. He also said importers have stopped bringing in some Canadian cheeses after higher prices cut demand.

The shop, which opened in 2025 and sells fresh meat and seafood alongside imported wines, cheeses and specialty foods, is looking for substitute products ahead of the holiday season. "We just had to adjust," Knezic said, adding that the business has found alternatives and "been able to make it work."

Importers pay tariffs on goods entering the United States, and those costs can pass through to businesses and consumers. President Donald Trump has defended the policy, saying tariffs "don't cause inflation" and have brought in trillions of dollars while spurring manufacturing growth, according to WKRN News 2. Business owners nationwide are also absorbing fuel surcharges tied to the conflict with Iran, the report said.

This story was first reported by WKRN News 2.