The introduction of universal 10% tariffs on imports, including coffee, has caused unexpected disruption and a lack of transparency among importers. Despite being experienced in handling volatility within the coffee supply chain, concerns arose when detailed invoices did not reflect tariff changes. One importer blended tariff costs into overall pricing, lacking clarity. In contrast, another importer provided explicit documentation, showcasing the importance of transparent communication in maintaining trust and understanding of cost impacts on customers.
When invoices began arriving from various importers, I meticulously reviewed each, seeking clear evidence of these newly imposed tariffs. Transparency never materialized.
When I requested that the importer clearly separate tariff charges to transparently communicate the impact to our customers, they refused.
Despite my careful monitoring, transparency never materialized. The marketing department's dismissal of my request felt particularly frustrating given the high stakes involved.
Another West Coast importer demonstrated proactive transparency by immediately providing detailed tariff documentation, itemizing percentages and dollar amounts.
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