Industries in New Mexico facing little comfort amidst trade taxes
In the heart of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Picacho Coffee Roasters, a local business, is grappling with the effects of the Trump administration's tariff policies. The coffee roastery, which sources beans from Mexico, Colombia, Ethiopia, Sumatra, and other countries, has been hit hard by the 50% tariff imposed on coffee imports from Brazil, effective from August 1, 2025.
Chad Morris, the founder and roaster of Picacho Coffee Roasters, stated that the tariffs have increased the cost of raw coffee beans he imports. Consequently, coffee prices are on the rise at the roastery. To manage costs, Picacho Coffee Roasters is currently roasting coffee five days a week with a reduced crew.
The uncertainties spawned by these tariff policies have not gone unnoticed. Dona Ana County importers and industry heads, including Picacho Coffee Roasters, have been in discussions with political leaders to address these concerns. However, New Mexico politicians have limited reassurance to offer, given the frequently-changing tariff policies of the Trump administration.
The broader coffee industry has also been affected. With increased wholesale coffee bean prices, consumers are expected to pay more for their daily cup of joe. Additionally, businesses may face pressure to cut costs elsewhere, potentially compromising investments in organic or sustainable coffee sourcing. This economic uncertainty encourages buyers to source coffee from alternative, often less established markets, which might not fully meet demand or maintain quality standards, further affecting local roasters.
Deb Haaland, a Democratic candidate for governor, recently toured Picacho Coffee Roasters to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses like Picacho Coffee Roasters. For those interested in learning more about the tour or general questions or concerns, web@our website is available for contact.
For regular updates on local trends, industry news, and key economic updates, consider subscribing to the Business Outlook Newsletter. Delivered every Monday to paid subscribers, the newsletter offers in-depth coverage on topics like the one at Picacho Coffee Roasters. As the situation unfolds, it's clear that Picacho Coffee Roasters and other coffee importers in Dona Ana County are navigating challenging times due to the steep tariffs on Brazilian coffee and the ongoing market shifts affecting the coffee industry nationally.
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- The steep tariffs on Brazilian coffee, which are part of the Trump administration's industrial policies, are causing concerns within the broader coffee industry.
- Local businesses in New Mexico, like Picacho Coffee Roasters, are grappling with rising coffee prices due to the increased cost of raw beans, a direct consequence of the tariff policies.
- General news outlets, such as Business Outlook, are providing regular updates on these industry-wide challenges, helping businesses and consumers stay informed about changes in the coffee market.
