How Tariffs on Coffee Beans and Packaging Could Impact Us All — Even in the Coachella Valley

When Marvin Rodak roasts coffee beans at his shop in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s about more than delivering a good cup of coffee — it’s about community and connection with growers across the world.

Rodak’s Coffee sources beans from countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. But international tariffs are making it harder for small businesses like his to survive. Rising costs on imported beans — and even the bags and labels he uses for packaging — are forcing him to raise prices.

"We’ve seen tariffs change daily," Rodak said. "If it happens to be on a day that we buy coffee, that affects our cost."

While this story may center on a man in Texas, the impacts reach far beyond Fort Worth. Coffee shops, roasters, and retailers across the country — including here in the Coachella Valley — are bracing for the same ripple effects. With global tariffs pushing up the cost of imported beans and packaging supplies, local consumers may soon notice higher prices at their favorite cafes and grocery stores.

Rodak has been transparent with his customers, adjusting prices carefully and promising to lower them again if tariffs stabilize. "They want me to stay in business, and they tell me that," he shared.

Despite the uncertainty, he remains hopeful that a more balanced trade approach can help everyone weather the storm.

Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte in Palm Springs or picking up a bag of specialty beans at a local farmer’s market, the global coffee economy is closer to home than ever before.

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