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Tariff Cuts Create Uncertainty for Organic Coffee Supply

7/31/2025

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Left

Mullin Navigates Tariff Challenges

Debbie Wei Mullin, the visionary behind Copper Cow, grapples with the impact of President Trump's tariffs on Vietnamese goods, recently slashed from 46% to 20%. This shift creates uncertainty for her mission to champion organic robusta coffee, as rising tariffs jeopardize prices and supply chains, leaving growers anxious about their crops' future in the face of climate change.

Center

Trump Imposes Tariffs

On July 9, 2025, President Trump imposed a staggering 50% tariff on copper imports, sending U.S. copper prices plummeting by 18% in after-hours trading—the steepest drop since 1989. As concerns rise over possible exemptions for Chile, the leading supplier, talks of a U.S.-European metal alliance intensify, reflecting growing tariff fatigue.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 raised U.S. tariffs on imports, leading to a 66% decline in exports and triggering a global trade war during the Great Depression. This historical precedent echoes today as Debbie Wei Mullin navigates the impact of fluctuating tariffs on Vietnamese goods, reminiscent of the economic isolation that hindered international trade nearly a century ago.

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Mullin Navigates Tariff Challenges

Debbie Wei Mullin, the visionary behind Copper Cow, grapples with the impact of President Trump's tariffs on Vietnamese goods, recently slashed from 46% to 20%. This shift creates uncertainty for her mission to champion organic robusta coffee, as rising tariffs jeopardize prices and supply chains, leaving growers anxious about their crops' future in the face of climate change.

1 / 3