Global Sweets Under Siege: The Candy Shop Feeling the Tariff Sting

The small, vibrant candy store, Economy Candy, is a treasure trove of sweets from around the globe. It's a place where you can find gummies from Germany, lollipops from Spain, and chocolates from Japan. The owner, Mitchell Cohen, knows firsthand how the recent tariffs are affecting his business. Tariffs have a way of sneaking into every corner of the economy. Even a small candy shop like Economy Candy isn't immune. Cohen had just started to see some relief from inflation-driven price increases when the tariff threats hit. As the owner of a store named Economy Candy, he's determined to keep prices affordable. But with tariffs looming, he's worried about how high prices might go. Stepping into Economy Candy is like stepping back in time. The vintage sign, the oldies music playing overhead, and the sweet aroma filling the air all contribute to a nostalgic atmosphere. But behind the scenes, the store is feeling the pressure of rising prices for cocoa and other ingredients, even before tariffs were added to the mix. Candy prices have been on the rise for years. According to the Consumer Price Index, candy and gum prices are up about 34% from five years ago and 89% from 2005. Price has become the top factor in consumers' candy purchase decisions, outweighing even mood. About a third of Economy Candy's products are imported, and the tariffs are taking a toll on these items. Even American-made candies aren't safe from the tariffs' reach. Many rely on ingredients from around the globe. For example, Snickers bars are made with chocolate from Guyana, peanuts from Argentina, and sugar from Brazil, all of which are now subject to varying levels of tariffs. The tariffs are affecting more than just the prices of individual candies. They're also impacting the families selling them. Cohen's grandfather started the business, and it has been passed down through the generations. The store has weathered many challenges, from the Sept. 11 attacks to the pandemic. But the tariffs present a new kind of challenge, one that Cohen isn't sure how to adapt to. The average U. S. tariff could rise to nearly 25% if the import taxes Trump put on goods from dozens of countries are fully implemented. That would be the highest rate in more than a century. Cohen isn't sure how this can be good news for a business like his. He sells products that aren't made in America and American products made with ingredients from across the globe. He had just started making headway on beginning international sales, but the web of tariff rules may make it impossible. As Cohen stood before mounds of strawberry candies and little cubes of caramel, the first word of the tariff's concrete impact on him arrived. A French supplier emailed saying it was immediately imposing a 5% surcharge due to the tariffs. Cohen wore a smile anyway. He wants this to be a happy place for visitors. But the reality of the situation is clear: the tariffs are making it harder for Economy Candy to stay affordable.