LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A wave of international tariffs is hitting close to home, and small businesses in Louisville are already feeling the pressure.
At Art Eatables, a boutique chocolate shop known for its Kentucky bourbon-infused treats, co-owner Forest Ramsey is preparing for changes that could soon impact customers’ wallets.
“As I talk to customers about their favorite bourbon chocolates, there’s something else I’m thinking about — how these new tariffs are going to affect everything we do,” Ramsey said.
Earlier this month, the federal government imposed a 10% tariff on nearly all imported goods. That includes cocoa — the raw ingredient behind Art Eatables’ signature creations.
“There are a lot of chocolate manufacturers here in the U.S., but they’re still importing cocoa,” Ramsey explained. “And that’s where the impact hits us.”
With three locations across the city, Art Eatables has already navigated rising costs brought on by inflation. Ramsey said they’ve done everything they can to avoid raising prices, including improving internal efficiency and cutting operational costs.
But now, they’re running out of options.
“We’ve kind of exhausted that,” he said. “With the unpredictability of these tariffs, we’re going to have to increase prices soon.”
Economists agree. Jeff Ramson, with PCG Advisory Group, said consumers should expect price hikes on a wide range of goods.
“I think prices on all of those things that we import are going to be going up,” Ramson said. “At least for the foreseeable future.”
While Art Eatables hasn’t raised prices just yet, Ramsey said it’s likely coming — and he hopes customers will continue to support not just his business, but others in the community.
“I’d encourage folks to find other small, family-owned businesses in your community,” he said. “Some of their products might cost a little more, but supporting them keeps your local economy strong, no matter what’s going on in the world.”
