The United States is set to raise tariffs on imports from dozens of trading partners starting Friday unless new agreements are reached with President Donald Trump to prevent the higher duties—raising concerns over rising prices for American consumers.
Economists warn that these steeper tariffs, paid by importers, could lead to increased costs for businesses, which are often passed on to households. The result could be a slowdown in consumer spending, a crucial engine for the world’s largest economy.
Trump’s proposed tariffs span a broad range of consumer goods—everything from coffee beans and rice to cocoa, seafood, clothing, and electronics.
– Coffee –
More than 99 percent of coffee consumed in the U.S. is imported, according to the National Coffee Association, which also told AFP that two-thirds of American adults drink coffee daily.
Major suppliers include Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Brazil, the top supplier—accounting for over 30 percent of imports in recent years—faces a 50 percent tariff starting August 1.
In a letter to Brazilian leaders, Trump linked the tariff move to what he called a judicial “witch hunt” against his political ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Vietnam, another top source, also faces a 20 percent additional tariff, despite a recent trade agreement with the U.S. administration.
– Shirts –
Prices on clothing such as shirts and sweaters are also likely to rise. From January to May this year, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh collectively accounted for over 50 percent of U.S. apparel imports, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
All three face varying tariff levels under Trump’s trade policies.
Chinese-made apparel—representing nearly one-third of all U.S. apparel imports—was hit with a 30 percent tariff earlier this year, adding to existing duties.
An ongoing truce on Chinese imports is set to expire August 12. Without an extension, tariffs could rise even further, prompting importers to either halt shipments or raise retail prices.
Vietnamese goods made up nearly 20 percent of U.S. clothing imports, while Bangladesh contributed about 11 percent. Trump has also threatened a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi apparel.
– Jasmine Rice –
The U.S. is the largest rice importer in the Western Hemisphere, bringing in about 1.3 million tons annually, according to the USDA.
More than 60 percent of those imports are aromatic rice varieties—mainly jasmine from Thailand and basmati from India and Pakistan.
Under the new tariffs: Thailand faces a 36 percent duty, India a 26 percent tariff, and Pakistan a 29 percent duty, all starting Friday.
The U.S. also imports smaller quantities of medium- and short-grain rice from other parts of Asia and South America.
– Cocoa –
The U.S. imported over $1.1 billion in cocoa beans each year between 2017 and 2021, mainly from the Ivory Coast and Ecuador, according to USDA data.
The Ivory Coast, the top supplier, faces a 21 percent tariff.
For cocoa butter—valued at $576 million annually—Indonesia and Malaysia, the leading suppliers, face fresh duties of 19 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
– Electronics –
Electronics and construction materials may also see price spikes. The Trump administration has announced a 50 percent tariff on copper imports, set to take effect August 1.
According to consulting firm BCG, this tariff would add approximately $8.6 billion in costs to U.S. copper imports—possibly more if extended to derivative products.
This move would hit the construction sector hardest, which consumes 42 percent of domestically used copper products, as well as electronics manufacturers who rely on copper for circuitry and components.
