Small business owners in Cape Cod, like Shayna Ferullo of Snowy Owl Coffee Roaster, are facing tough challenges due to tariffs on imported coffee. With Hawaii being the only state that grows coffee in the U.S., these tariffs add significant costs to their operations. Ferullo fears that these financial pressures may lead to layoffs, reduced employee benefits, or even closing her business. U.S. Senator Edward Markey has introduced a Small Business Liberation Act to exempt small businesses from these tariffs, highlighting the struggles of many small business owners who are disproportionately affected compared to larger corporations.
• Ferullo's coffee business has expanded to three cafes, employing 30 year-round and 70 seasonal workers.
• The 10% tariff, combined with high coffee prices, creates a challenging environment for planning and profitability.
• Other business owners echoed similar concerns, emphasizing how tariffs threaten jobs and community stability.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports tariff exclusions for small businesses, advocating for their survival.
This situation is critical as small businesses form the backbone of the economy, and their struggles can have widespread implications. The inability to absorb these costs could lead to job losses and community decline, affecting many lives. The call for tariff relief is urgent, as it could help sustain these vital local businesses and the communities they serve.
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