An Open Letter Regarding Tariffs From A Pennsylvania Coffee Shop Owner – CoffeeTalk

On July 9th, the end of Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff pause was set to occur, but the administration has re-introduced tariffs, causing confusion and chaos for working families and businesses across the country. The founder of a small coffee shop and roastery in Harrisburg, Andrea Grove, points out the absurdity that America cannot possibly independently produce enough coffee to support the entire domestic coffee industry.

As the founder of a small coffee shop and roastery in Harrisburg, these tariffs mean uncertainty for the business to which I have dedicated over a decade of my life.

America cannot independently produce enough coffee to support the entire domestic coffee industry; it’s physically impossible.

Currently, only 1% of the coffee Americans drink is sourced domestically. The geography and climate of our country simply does not allow for enough production to make up that other 99%. Coffee is an industry that depends on stable, secure global trade. These tariffs are the antithesis of that.

My congressman, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R), supported these tariffs. It’s hard for me to believe that Congressman Perry has the best interest of small businesses in mind when he just voted for billions in tax giveaways to big corporations and billionaires. At a time when economic uncertainty and rising prices make it increasingly difficult to compete with the big chains and corporations, Perry prioritized tax breaks for them over assistance for businesses and communities like mine.

Elementary Coffee Co. has been my passion and livelihood for over a decade. In these uncertain times, I am relying on my congressman, Scott Perry, to do the right thing and stand up for small businesses like mine.

Andrea Grove, Harrisburg, Pa.

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