In brief
Café owners across the US are feeling the pinch as new tariffs lead to increased coffee prices, impacting consumer choices.
With tariffs recently imposed, coffee prices in the US are climbing, leaving both café owners and coffee drinkers feeling the heat. Many businesses, like Bread Bite Bakery in Washington DC, are reporting that it's getting harder to keep customers coming through the door. Owner Jorge Prudencio shared that his coffee suppliers have already begun hiking prices as imported beans become more expensive due to a 10% tariff that took effect on April 5.The U.S. is a major coffee importer, with most of its beans coming from Brazil and Colombia. As the price for imported coffee continues to rise, many cafes have noticed a decline in customers ordering fancy drinks. Kamal Mortada, manager of Au Lait café, stated that customers are opting for simpler, cheaper options as coffee prices have increased by up to 25%. He himself has started brewing coffee at home instead of frequenting larger chains like Starbucks.On the West Coast, Jenny Ngo from Telescope Coffee in San Francisco is bracing for more price hikes and is seeing products not only from coffee beans but also iced coffee cups rising overnight due to tariffs. Despite the challenges, Jorge Prudencio remains optimistic about customer loyalty, emphasizing that coffee is a staple. However, the overall rise in living costs, including the price of essential items like eggs, adds to the strain on small businesses.In Washington DC, Joel Finkelstein, who runs Qualia Coffee Roasters, echoed similar sentiments, foreseeing a decrease in sales due to relentless price hikes over the years. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs and continuous inflation means that coffee enthusiasts might need to adjust their spending habits as the price of their beloved brew continues to escalate.
