Amidst escalating trade tensions, emerging chocolate entrepreneurs in Africa face new tariffs that could cripple their businesses and hinder economic progress.
New U.S. Tariffs Threaten African Chocolate Industry Amid Economic Struggles
New U.S. Tariffs Threaten African Chocolate Industry Amid Economic Struggles
President Trump's recent tariffs jeopardize growth of West African chocolatiers as they aim to enter U.S. market.
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Dana Mroueh, a burgeoning entrepreneur from Ivory Coast, is facing challenges as President Trump rolled out new tariffs affecting all imports into the United States last week, jeopardizing her plans to launch her organic chocolate bars in American stores. The Ivory Coast is the largest cocoa producer globally while the U.S. remains the foremost chocolate consumer, primarily importing from Canada and Mexico. Mroueh's company, Mon Choco, is part of a wave of innovative West African chocolatiers eager to create employment and prosperity by transforming local cocoa into gourmet products.
Mroueh expressed optimism prior to the announcement, as she aimed to start exporting her mango, ginger, and coffee-flavored chocolates soon. Now, she must contend with a 21% tariff on her goods, a financial burden that could undercut her fledgling business. The implementation of tariffs could devastate several African economies that previously viewed the U.S. as an inviting market for their products.
Moreover, cocoa is not the only sector affected; automotive parts from South Africa, clothing from Madagascar, and denim from Lesotho are also set to face substantial tariffs, with Lesotho seeing levies as high as 50%. Mroueh reflected on the turbulent surroundings, acknowledging the significant impact these measures could have on her industry and livelihood.
Dana Mroueh, a burgeoning entrepreneur from Ivory Coast, is facing challenges as President Trump rolled out new tariffs affecting all imports into the United States last week, jeopardizing her plans to launch her organic chocolate bars in American stores. The Ivory Coast is the largest cocoa producer globally while the U.S. remains the foremost chocolate consumer, primarily importing from Canada and Mexico. Mroueh's company, Mon Choco, is part of a wave of innovative West African chocolatiers eager to create employment and prosperity by transforming local cocoa into gourmet products.
Mroueh expressed optimism prior to the announcement, as she aimed to start exporting her mango, ginger, and coffee-flavored chocolates soon. Now, she must contend with a 21% tariff on her goods, a financial burden that could undercut her fledgling business. The implementation of tariffs could devastate several African economies that previously viewed the U.S. as an inviting market for their products.
Moreover, cocoa is not the only sector affected; automotive parts from South Africa, clothing from Madagascar, and denim from Lesotho are also set to face substantial tariffs, with Lesotho seeing levies as high as 50%. Mroueh reflected on the turbulent surroundings, acknowledging the significant impact these measures could have on her industry and livelihood.
