Trump’s Tariffs Zero In on Five Key Products
U.S. Tariff Threat Aims at Coffee and Other Imports
Potential Impact on Prices and Business Costs
Economists warn that higher duties could add to business expenses, trickle down to households, and dampen consumption – the engine of the world’s biggest economy.
Key Products in the Crosshairs
- Coffee – Over 99 % of America’s coffee comes from abroad, dominated by Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam. Brazil faces a 50 % tariff threat, while Vietnam could see an additional 20 % duty even after a recent deal.
- Shirts and Sweaters – China, Vietnam and Bangladesh account for more than half of U.S. apparel imports. China’s goods could face an extra 30 % duty; a 35 % surcharge is proposed for Bangladesh, and Vietnam may see increased tariffs if the existing truce expires.
- Jasmine Rice – The U.S. imports about 1.3 million tons of rice, mostly jasmine from Thailand and basmati from India and Pakistan. Thailand could see a 36 % tariff, India 26 % and Pakistan 29 %.
- Cocoa – U.S. cocoa imports average over $1.1 billion annually. The Ivory Coast faces a 21 % tariff, while Indonesia and Malaysia could see new duties of 19 % and 25 % on cocoa butter shipments.
- Electronics – A 50 % duty on copper imports could add $8.6 billion in extra costs, with construction and electronics manufacturers likely to feel the impact.
Risk of Higher Prices for Consumers
Steeper duties paid by importers could raise business costs, potentially boosting household prices and modestly dampening U.S. consumer demand.
