How tariffs could mess with your pumpkin spice

"Pumpkin spice is traditionally a blend of five spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice - and they're all sourced primarily outside the U.S. The spice industry is bracing for how tariffs could impact prices to import a variety of spices. The American Spice Trade Association says many spices require tropical conditions, which means they can't be cultivated domestically. That includes staple spices like cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla."

"There is a 10% baseline tariff on all countries, with higher tariffs for certain countries. A major source for global spices is India, which faces a 50% tariff; a variety of spices originate there including red chilli, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, curry, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, ginger and mustard seeds, among others. Back to pumpkin spices. Let's break down where they're sourced from, based on import data from the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), and the tariffs those countries face:"

Pumpkin spice combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice, and most of those spices are sourced from countries outside the United States. Many spices require tropical conditions and cannot be cultivated domestically, including staple spices such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla. A 10% baseline tariff applies to all countries, with higher tariffs for some; India faces a 50% tariff and supplies many spices like red chilli, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom and mustard seeds. Tariff increases will raise import costs, forcing producers to absorb costs or pass them to consumers, potentially reducing premium spice options, raising grocery and restaurant prices, altering sourcing choices, or increasing use of artificial flavors. McCormick & Company estimates about $90 million in annual exposure to tariffs.

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