Story perspectives

Local Cafe Adds 'Trump Tariff' Surcharge Amid Coffee Price Surge

8/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

Shelburne's Village Wine and Coffee implemented a 10% surcharge, termed "Trump Tariff on Coffee Countries," due to rising coffee prices from import tariffs, especially on Brazilian coffee.
Owner Kevin Clayton seeks transparency about the tariffs' effects on consumers and small businesses, framing the surcharge as a protest against these tariffs.
National polls show widespread disapproval of tariffs, with critics arguing that costs are ultimately passed to American consumers.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods, including coffee, leading to retaliatory tariffs and a 50% surge in coffee prices. This historical precedent is echoed today as Shelburne's Village Wine and Coffee implements a 10% surcharge due to rising coffee prices linked to current tariffs on Brazilian imports, highlighting the long-term economic impact of such policies.

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Story summary

Shelburne's Village Wine and Coffee implemented a 10% surcharge, termed "Trump Tariff on Coffee Countries," due to rising coffee prices from import tariffs, especially on Brazilian coffee.
Owner Kevin Clayton seeks transparency about the tariffs' effects on consumers and small businesses, framing the surcharge as a protest against these tariffs.
National polls show widespread disapproval of tariffs, with critics arguing that costs are ultimately passed to American consumers.

1 / 2