American restaurants survive on cheap Chinese caviar; But Donald Trump's tariff war could change that soon | Today news

Many consider Caviar still a luxury. However, the wholesale price has fallen in the United States over the past few years. Experts believe the reason is a flood of cheap, mass-made Chinese caviar, which has led to a growing rage for caviar worldwide. In Manhattan, a fancy restaurant attracted for its $ 28 caviar with chicken nuggets, rappers and podcast hosts. The chef says he wants people to get there for celebrations. While bird flu has made normal eggs in the US tremendous, rich diners choose salt-fish eggs, or caviar, according to the South China Morning Post. It is served on luxury dishes in cities such as Nashville and San Francisco. Wild-traveled caviar is prohibited under international law, and Russian caviar is facing American sanctions. Most caviar in the US now comes from China, where low labor costs and strong government support prices keep low. Although exact figures are limited, in 2014, average US caviar prices dropped from about $ 440 (about £ 37,570 per today’s exchange rate) to $ 240 (£ 20,500) in 2020, making it more affordable. China’s caviar industry faces criticism due to previous food safety issues and demands of unfair prices. According to SCMP, it harmed its reputation. However, because of the large -scale fish farming of China, the quality of the caviar varies greatly. Top vines selling premium and basic wines. The same Sturgeon Farm can produce world-class caviar and also deliver cheaper, low-degree versions for budget markets. Chinese caviar prices Chinese caviar prices range from about $ 400 (£ 34,000) to $ 1,500 (£ 1.28 lakh) per kg. Due to lower costs, it is difficult for smaller local caviar farms to compete. For example, US -based Marshallberg Farm, which delivers caviar to the Plaza Hotel in New York, says it needs at least $ 1,000 (£ 85,000) to $ 1,200 (£ 1.02 lakh) per kilogram to cover production costs. The price of good quality Chinese caviar could rise as soon as US President Donald Trump’s rates on China affect imports. At the same time, China’s large -scale fish farming could flood the market with too much caviar per SCMP. This can lead to restaurants buying cheaper lower quality caviar to manage costs and eventually injure our customers. First Published: 19 Apr 2025, 05:37 IST