Local coffee shop feel sting of rising costs, as latest global tariff takes effect

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A local ice cream and coffee shop in Colorado Springs reports feeling the effects of rising costs from the changes in global tariffs.

President Donald Trump recently announced a 15% global tariff after the Supreme Court struck down the President's previously imposed trade tariff.

Jake Norment is the owner and operator of the Caffeinated Cow on 8th Street. After the first round of tariffs went into effect, he says the cost of his African coffee beans increased dramatically, forcing him to find new suppliers in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, which lowered the cost but also affected the coffee's taste.

"For customers who really appreciate that coffee, if we can't keep a good dark roast for them, the impact on us is that they leave and don't get coffee somewhere else," Norment says. "What has changed for us is the managing to keep the costs down, and keep our doors open."

It’s not just coffee. The cost of chocolate ice cream and eggs for his breakfast burritos also went up.

"Per tub that we buy, we are paying 15% more because there is a tariff on chocolate. Eggs went up by 50% within 90 days. That went up from $50 to about $175 for a case of eggs just for a case."

The most recent 15% global tariff will be in effect for 150 days, but Norment says he doesn't expect relief at the end of that period.

"At some point, there becomes a breaking point. There has to be a breaking point, 10%, 15%. It doesn't matter. I will place an order in 24 hours, actually, for this week, and I will see. And in 24 hours, I don't know just how it's going to impact us."

Tariffs have been a key policy for the Trump administration during his second term

As for the Caffeinated Cow, Norment says he’s managed to keep business steady by continuing to hold community gatherings at his store. He told KRDO13 he’s had to get creative as he tries to work through this difficult time.

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