Article Summary –
Abby Weaver and other coffee shop owners are grappling with economic challenges from climate change, COVID-19, and new tariffs imposed by President Trump, which are causing significant increases in coffee prices due to import taxes on goods. These tariffs, intended to boost American manufacturing, have instead led to raised prices for consumers, prompting fears of a potential recession, decreased tourism, and reduced consumer spending, further affecting small businesses like coffee shops in Pennsylvania. Despite these economic pressures, shop owners like Weaver are determined to survive, exploring strategies such as introducing lower-priced goods to maintain their businesses and keep their staff employed amidst the challenging economic landscape.
Abby Weaver, owner of Pressed Coffee and Books in Pottsville, is well-acquainted with stress. Just a year after opening in December 2018, she faced challenges from COVID-19. Extreme weather linked to climate change further escalated coffee prices.
Now, tariffs are the latest hurdle. “2025 is where things began to stabilize post-COVID,” Weaver explains. “Tariffs are now part of that challenge, but it’s sort of expected.” Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, such as coffee, paid by businesses or consumers.
Since January, President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff rollout aims to boost American manufacturing. Business owners argue these taxes won’t meet that goal. Instead, tariffs could force retailers to raise prices, potentially leading to a recession, economists warn.
By early May, Trump placed a 10% tariff on nearly all imports, a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 145% tariff on most Chinese products. Initially announced in April, steeper tariffs might take effect later but were temporarily paused after market reactions.
These tariffs have already driven major corporations and small businesses to increase prices to cover higher import costs. Experts anticipate the impact of Trump’s tariffs will soon be visible in increased prices for household items and toys.
Pennsylvania coffee shop owners report rising costs due to tariffs. Coffee can’t be sourced domestically as the U.S. can’t meet demand. The National Coffee Association states just 1% of U.S. coffee is from Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
“Tariffs add to already inflated coffee prices,” Doug Pinto from Steel Cup Coffee Roasters noted. “Flooding and drought in Brazil and Vietnam have driven prices up. Now, importers add a 10% tariff tax, leading to our highest costs in a decade.” Consequently, Pinto’s shop has raised coffee prices.
“Without short-term hopes of price reduction, we’ve had to raise prices,” Pinto added. “If tariffs lift and production in major regions rebounds, prices might improve. Thankfully, coffee remains a staple for consumers.”
‘It’s definitely going to lead to less jobs’
Pennsylvania coffee shop owners worry tariffs might trigger a nationwide economic downturn. Brian Jones, owner of The Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar, fears the return of pandemic-like conditions, with fewer social gatherings due to rising costs. Currently, events at his dual-purpose art gallery and coffee shop remain popular, but concerns linger as discretionary spending could shrink.
“I fear a pandemic-like retreat,” Jones shared. “People may avoid social outings, affecting communal spaces like espresso bars.” As an art gallery representing 35 local artists, Jones is concerned tariffs will tighten budgets further.
Jake Schindel from Ragged Edge Coffee Shop in Gettysburg echoes these fears. Budget cuts by the Trump administration, coupled with tariffs, risk reducing tourism—a key economic driver in Gettysburg. “I rely on tourism,” said Schindel. “Fewer tourists mean fewer purchases, yet costs are rising. More tariffs equate to fewer jobs.”
Schindel fears for his business and job market in Gettysburg, noting, “I might need a second job to support my family.”
Determined to survive
Amid rising expenses, coffee shop owners remain resilient. While adjusting offerings, such as adding affordable items, they insist they’ll weather the storm.
Weaver reassures her young staff about job security despite financial strains. Reflecting on her COVID-19 resilience, she plans to introduce affordable options to maintain foot traffic in her community-oriented shop. “Experience during COVID-19 built my resilience,” Weaver said, emphasizing her commitment to her business and employees.
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