(ABC 6 News) — Those looking to grab a cup of joe on their way to work may have to take a bit more out of their wallet as President Donald Trump prepares to place tariffs on several countries next week.
One of those tariffs goes as high as 50% targeting goods from Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer. But William Forsman, operating owner at Rochester’s Café Steam said the tariffs affect a little bit more than just the beans they use to brew your morning jolt.
“It’s literally every product that might be used in our cafés,” Forsman said.
From paper cups, to textiles for branded shirts and even tea, all of it is imported from various countries targeted by Trump’s tariffs. Forsman said those looking to buy coffee in Rochester and around the world will be asked to pay the price.
“The consumer will end up paying more as a result of the tariffs and that’s just unavoidable,” Forsman said.
Trump’s tariffs don’t go into effect until August 1, but that date doesn’t necessarily mean prices will immediately skyrocket because demand for goods is already doing that.
“As the increase in demand ahead of the tariffs to try to buy the pre-tariff coffee has occurred, the price has gone up astronomically,” Forsman said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brazil produces 37% of the world’s coffee, but owner at Café Aquí Michelle Fagan said, like several other coffee shops, she sources her beans from dozens of countries including Columbia, Mexico and Guatemala to name a few.
With coffee coming from different parts of the world, Fagan said these tariffs are not only impacting prices, but also those responsible for cultivating the beans overseas.
“Maybe they can’t sell all their coffee, maybe they can’t continue to be in business,” Fagan said.
Trump’s tariffs will also hit countries like Canada, Mexico and the European Union among several others – meaning its not just coffee shops looking to raise their prices.
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