Coffee drinkers in the U.S. may face a sharp increase in prices due to new tariffs on imported coffee. A 50 percent tariff has been placed on Brazilian coffee, a major source for American consumers. Colombian coffee is also affected. Local coffee shop owners are concerned about how this will impact their businesses and customers.
• Carol Adams, a coffee shop owner, warns that prices could rise by 50 percent once her current inventory runs out.
• The average price of a cup of coffee, currently at $3, could jump to $4.50.
• These tariffs are expected to affect about 75% of the country’s food imports, possibly raising grocery prices as well.
• Economists suggest that while there may be short-term price increases, they are part of a larger economic strategy.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to international trade policies. If prices rise too high, many customers may turn away, impacting local economies. The hope remains that the government will reconsider these tariffs, especially as coffee cannot be produced widely in the U.S.
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