Asheville, NC, August 3, 2025
News Summary
Local coffee shop owners in Asheville express alarm about President Trump’s new 15% tariff on imports, particularly a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, set to commence on August 6. The impact could lead to increased coffee prices and supply shortages. Business owners like Audrie Blomquist of Odds Café fret that rising costs will force them to raise prices, risking customer loss. With Brazil producing 37% of global coffee, these tariffs could significantly affect local shops and consumer prices as the industry grapples with economic instability.
Asheville, NC – The recent announcement by President Donald Trump regarding a new 15% tariff on imports from nearly 40 countries, which includes a specific 50% tariff on most goods from Brazil, has caused widespread concern among local coffee shop owners. This tariff is set to take effect on August 6 and is part of Trump’s broader economic strategy to combat what he describes as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
One local coffee shop owner, Audrie Blomquist, who operates Odds Café in West Asheville, has expressed alarm regarding the potential for rising costs of imported coffee beans. She sources her coffee from a local store that imports directly from Brazil, which makes her business particularly vulnerable to these tariffs. She noted that small roasters may find it increasingly difficult to maintain their supply of coffee beans, leading to potential inventory shortages and further price increases for consumers.
The impact of these new tariffs is already being felt among many coffee establishments in Asheville, as owners assess their pricing strategies in light of the impending cost increases. Blomquist has recently increased her prices in May, but as costs continue to rise, she is uncertain whether she can make further increases without risking a loss of customers.
Similar concerns are echoed by Ryan Sanderson, owner of Knowledge Perk Coffee Company in Charlotte, who articulates that this new tariff directly affects his business. Given that Brazil produces approximately 37% of the world’s coffee, the implications on U.S. coffee prices could be significant. Previous tariffs on other coffee-exporting countries, such as Guatemala, have already forced many shop owners, including Sanderson, to adjust their prices upward.
The coffee industry is currently navigating through a patch of volatility in pricing due to several factors, including climate change, geopolitical tensions, and these newly imposed tariffs. As of April, the average cost for ground coffee sold to consumers had reached approximately $7.54 per pound, a marked increase from $6.06 the previous year. Producers are facing soaring costs, and these increases ultimately fall on the shoulders of consumers.
Local businesses, such as Cooperative Coffee Roasters in Asheville, have begun adjusting their prices on certain coffee varieties to reflect increased costs related to the tariffs. Similarly, Summit Coffee in Davidson raised its cup prices by ten cents earlier this year due to anticipation of future tariff implications.
According to Spencer Ford, a trader at Royal Coffee, there is growing anxiety among coffee shop owners concerning how pricing fluctuations will impact their businesses in the coming months. The continuation of price increases is likely, especially as current untariffed inventory is depleted. Business owners who do not roast their own coffee may find themselves particularly challenged by escalating wholesale prices imposed by producers.
As a response to these tariff concerns, some coffee companies are reconsidering their supply agreements and exploring sourcing options from different countries to mitigate costs. The coffee market, which has historically maintained relative stability, is now facing unprecedented price hikes driven by the intersecting forces of economic instability and tariff enforcement.
Despite these challenges, there remains robust support for local businesses in Asheville, as coffee consumption in the United States continues to demonstrate resilience. Local coffee shops are encouraged to continue their efforts to provide quality products while navigating these turbulent times.
FAQ
What is the new tariff announced by President Trump?
A new 15% tariff on imports from nearly 40 countries, including a specific 50% tariff on most goods from Brazil, is set to take effect on August 6.
How will the tariff impact coffee prices?
The new tariffs are expected to lead to increased costs for imported coffee beans, which may force local coffee shops to raise their prices significantly.
What percentage of global coffee production comes from Brazil?
Brazil accounts for approximately 37% of the world’s coffee production, making the tariff’s impact crucial on global and U.S. coffee prices.
Are local coffee shops in Asheville affected by these tariffs?
Yes, many local coffee shops in Asheville are reporting rising costs due to the tariffs and are facing pressure to increase their prices.
What strategies are coffee businesses considering in response to the tariff effects?
Some local coffee businesses are exploring new sourcing agreements to mitigate costs and maintain pricing stability.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Tariff Rate | 15% on imports, 50% on Brazilian goods effective August 6 |
| Impact on Coffee | Potential price increases for consumers and supply shortages |
| Percentage of Coffee Production | Brazil: 37% of global production |
| Average Coffee Price | $7.54 per pound as of April |
| Local Business Support | Encouraged amid tariff challenges |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Coffee Shops and Tariffs
- Business Insider: Why Coffee is More Expensive
- Spectrum Local News: Coffee Roaster Plans for Tariffs
- ABC45: NC Gov Josh Stein Talks Economy and Tariffs
- Wikipedia: Coffee
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
